THERE are none so deaf as those who don’t want to hear.

I am having trouble with hearing which I have constantly told clinicians and ear nose and throat (ENT) consultants occurs when there is a change in barometric pressure.

This affects some people as it does with deep sea divers and flight crew in aeroplanes. It happens to most people when their ears pop by swallowing.

Sadly, this does not work for me.

The inner ear secretes wax to protect the balance of pressure, making me deaf.

Recently, I received an automated telephone call from Bishop Auckland Hospital reminding me of my appointment with the ENT department.

I can hear when there is no other noise going on as at my home in Cockfield.

When I attended the hospital, I told the receptionist that I had not received a written appointment. I was informed that the hospital does not send written appointments. It uses an automated telephone message to give appointments to people who are having problems with hearing.

If the ENT consultant does not understand the inner ear and the effect of barometric pressure, then perhaps the hospital trustees can get someone who can before they hand control to GPs at the end of this month Bill Craggs (deaf but not daft), Cockfield.