But hearing problems are definitely not a laughing matter as reporter Clare Hawkin discovered.

Conversation is life, and something we all take for granted, whether it's a little exchange with the postman or a deep and meaningful discussion with a close friend.

But imagine being unable to be part of this because your hearing is deteriorating.

Life becomes virtually meaningless if you can't understand what someone is saying or do something as simple as order a cup of tea in a cafe.

These weren't things I'd ever really thought about until I visited a hearing aid specialist to have my hearing minimised.

After my ears were filled with a gun full of squidgy green silicone, which is used as a mould to make hearing aids, the difference was immediate.

Things became very muffled – and as it set, the worse it became.

Soon I couldn't make out what the specialist or the photographer were saying without straining my ears and leaning forward. I was also aware of a loud buzzing noise from the air conditioning and my voice seemed uncomfortably loud.

A few minutes later, we set off for a walk around town, which was very strange. It felt like being under water, with everything happening overhead.

Often you can be part of a conversation without saying anything, through gestures and other body language. But as my companions chatted, I couldn't even laugh or respond to what they were saying. Looking around, I felt confused and disoriented.

Even doing something as mundane as walking down the road was fairly perplexing.

We rely on hearing our own footsteps as a guide, but I couldn't hear anything, not even a car until it was right up close, which could pose a real danger to someone with hearing problems.

Buying stamps at the shop was also difficult. As I repeated myself and strained to hear what the assistant was saying, I felt like a nuisance. I could completely understand how someone could feel so despondent that it would be easier to give up and go home.

The worst experience of the afternoon was ordering drinks in a cafe.

It was fairly busy and as I queued, I became a little anxious. I really didn't want to get the order wrong and have to repeat myself.

I tried to hear what the man next to me was saying, but could barely make out his order.

Suddenly it was my turn. I asked for a cup of tea and a coffee in what I thought was a normal voice, but the woman behind the counter scowled and barked at me to speak up.

After I repeated myself, she shouted 'what? I really can't hear you', as if I were a major hindrance.

Feeling deflated, and as if I shouldn't be there, I collected my order and took it to the table, realising what a misery it must be each day for people with hearing problems.

The afternoon proved to be much food for thought, and I hope it has made me a little more patient.

Someone may look perfectly well, but of course you can't see hearing problems. The experience has definitely made me realise how exhausting and bewildering life can be for sufferers.

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