These last few years (2024/25) I have been walking the Wainwrights in Cumbria raising both money and awareness for Deaf people.

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Walking is great for improving and maintaining your overall health”.

For physical fitness - As a physical exercise teacher I know walking; Increases my cardiovascular fitness, strengthens my bones, and boosts both my muscle power and endurance, but I can get that from a Zumba or spinning class.

For mental health - We all know that exercise can increases mental alertness, can put you in a positive mood and reduce stress levels but so can a dance class.

For everyday life - When I walk I sleep better, my anxiety is lower and it helps me lose weight but again so could a session in the gym.

So why do I walk in the outdoors?

I have been hard of hearing for 31 years and 16 years ago was fitted with bilateral BAHAs, but recently I have lost another 5 decibels and find my aids not always helpful anymore.

Exercise and especially dance have always been my way of coping with the anxiety that comes with deafness. I always used music to help take me out of myself and improve my mood, indeed I still do and have recently taken up playing the cello.

But 6 years ago I met my husband and he was a fell walker.

Until then I had never walked a fell. (mountain in my youth YES) Fells NO

In fact I had only been to Cumbria two or three times in my life despite being born in Merseyside so not that far away.

Our first weekend together he took me to Aira Falls and up to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell.

For the first time in 31 years the tinnitus that was 24/7 had gone, the rush of adrenaline as I looked out over the mountains lifted my spirits and I fell in love not only with him but with the fells.

Was it the exercise or the attack on the other senses that dispelled the tinnitus for me?

Maybe it’s was the altitude?

I don’t really know I suspect it’s all three. I just know the relief of the silence.

When you are up in the fells, silent is there for all, because apart from the wind and the odd bird there is no real noise.

Your eyes become your main sense looking where you step as you climb up and down so you don’t trip or fall.

Then at the top as you look out over the stunning mountains to the land below. Taking in the beautiful colours.

Shades of green, and brown with the pop of purple heather and the blues of the lakes in the distance.

Then there’s the people you meet all intent on getting to there goal no real conversation wanted or needed just the feel of solidarity as you walk together at one with nature.

Without the mountains….well

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Imagine a world where people move their lip but there is no sound. A world where cars sneak up on you and where pop concerts are silent. Then imagine that in that silence there is a continuous whirling noise that’s with you 24/7.

A world where phantom noises break your sleep;

A dogs bark ‘but no dog’,

A door bell that rings for no reason,

A sudden shout that make you jump.

This is the world of deafness and tinnitus for me ..........

I used to read quotes from hearing people about how ‘Silence is Golden’ and think if they only knew how much noise is in that silence.

Not only the tinnitus but the noise of expectation to fit in with a hearing society.

But I have found my silence and it’s not only golden it’s Majestic.