Researchers: Dr Bryony Buck, Dr Dorothy Hardy, Dr Adele Goman, Harini Madhu (PhD Candidate), Millie Kirkwood (PhD Candidate)
Grassmarket Community Project, July 2025
Bryony’s research explores how people overcome communication breakdowns, particularly in noisy situations, and how these insights can improve support for those with hearing loss and other sensory conditions. With 1 in 6 people in the UK affected by hearing loss, access to healthcare and hearing-loss interventions, such as hearing aids is a growing need. Yet many barriers remain: stigma, limited education, social and cultural biases, and the fact that clinical and scientific research often reflects only the experiences of those already able to access care.
To connect with people who are often overlooked in research, we ran a series of lunchtime and evening meal sessions at the Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) in Edinburgh. The GCP offers a space for marginalised and vulnerable individuals to find space, support, develop skills, and be part of a vibrant community. Service users, members, staff, and volunteers welcomed us warmly, inviting us into what many described as their “second home.” By being present over several days, and not asking anything of participants unless they chose to talk, we built trust and opened the door to deeper conversations about hearing and communication.
These conversations were powerful. A young volunteer told us, “I thought this stuff was just for old people, not people like me – I’m going to tell all my pals!” while an older couple realised they had been so focused on seeking healthcare access for one, they hadn’t realised they both needed help with their hearing. A construction worker asked for flyers to share at his worksite to show colleagues the importance of protecting their hearing. Time and again, people told us, “I had no idea,”, “it’s so important” and “it’s so good you’re here.”
For me, the project was both humbling and inspiring. I learned just how low general awareness of hearing health really is, and how meaningful small resources and conversations can be. I also discovered a real love for public engagement, and gained insights that are already informing future research and outreach events. We left with new connections, fresh insights, and a warm invitation to come again.
Some quotes from Grassmarket Community Project members:
“It’s great you’re here, I didn’t have a clue. It’s so important” – GCP member
“It’s been wonderful just having someone to talk to about this because people don’t really talk about hearing” Grasshopper – GCP member
“I’ve been telling [friend, neighbour, parent] to get help for years. Thank you for letting me know how to help [them]” – said by several attendees.
“I’ve been so busy trying to get him help, I didn’t even think about me and my hearing” – older couple at open-door meal session.
“I thought this stuff was just for old people, not people like me – I’m going to tell all my pals!” – young female GCP volunteer
“You just dinnae think about it ken, it’s just normal, but now I see maybe it’s not” – GCP kitchen staff
“I work at [local homeless kitchen] and we’re just so focussed on other things we forget this is important too. Maybe more so” – visitor (general public) and volunteer at local homeless kitchen
“Can you send me all this please? {gestures to information flyers and posters} I need to show my guys at the construction site. -none of them think it’s important to wear PPE – they’ll look at this and see it really is” – GCP member
“I always wear ear protectors. It’s good to know I’m doing something right” – GCP member