One of the questions I hear regularly in clinic is, “How do I know if I actually need a hearing test?”

It’s a good question. And the answer is often rather more subtle than people expect.

Hearing loss rarely happens overnight. It usually develops so gradually that we adapt to it without really noticing. A little more television volume here. Asking someone to repeat themselves there. Perhaps avoiding the noisy restaurant because conversation has somehow become exhausting.

And because these changes happen slowly, we often blame everything except our hearing.

People are mumbling.

The television programmes aren’t recorded properly anymore.

Restaurants have become ridiculously noisy.

Sound familiar?

One of the first things many people notice is that they can hear someone talking but can’t quite understand what they’re saying. This is particularly noticeable in busy places where background noise competes with speech.

That’s because hearing isn’t simply about volume. It’s about clarity.

As hearing changes, some of the finer speech sounds become harder to hear. You may still hear a person’s voice perfectly well, but miss the small sounds that allow your brain to work out exactly what they’ve said.

Another clue is tiredness.

Listening to a conversation shouldn’t feel like hard work. But when your hearing isn’t giving your brain all the information it needs, your brain has to work harder to fill in the gaps. By the end of a family meal or an evening with friends, you may feel surprisingly exhausted.

Perhaps the most telling sign, however, is when somebody else notices.

A partner might say, “You didn’t hear me.”

A family member might complain that the television is too loud.

A friend may suggest that you have your hearing checked.

They may actually have noticed something you haven’t.

From the clinic

I often tell patients that a hearing test isn’t about proving that something is wrong. Sometimes it simply provides reassurance that everything is fine.

And if there is a hearing loss, knowing exactly what is happening is much better than guessing.

A hearing assessment is straightforward, painless and informative. It gives you an opportunity to understand your hearing properly and decide what, if anything, you want to do about it. There is no prize for waiting until your hearing becomes a serious problem.

If you’ve noticed that conversations are becoming harder, you’re asking people to repeat themselves more often, or you’re simply thinking, “My hearing isn’t quite as good as it used to be,” that’s reason enough to have it checked.

Sometimes the best outcome of a hearing test is reassurance.

And sometimes, understanding what you’ve been missing is the first step towards hearing life more clearly again.

Contact Protea Wellness Audiology

Call: 698 418 642

www.proteawellnessaudiology.es

contact@proteawellnessaudiology.es

Address: Quesada Business Centre, Calle Los Arcos 17, Ciudad Quesada, 03170

For many Spanish drivers over the years, Seat has been a familiar part of their everyday life, from getting your driving licence and heading out to explore the world in a Seat 600E to growing up and driving the children to school every weekday in your Seat Ibiza. However, there are now concerns that Volkswagen might end the beloved Spanish brand before 2030, shifting its focus and investments toward its sister brand, Cupra.

This potential move would have significant implications for Spain’s car industry, especially for the big Martorell plant near Barcelona, which has been producing Seat cars for decades but is now in the process of becoming a major center for electric vehicle manufacturing. These reports have surfaced as Volkswagen embarks on one of the largest restructuring efforts in its history, prompted by growing competition from Chinese automakers, declining demand in China, and the need to cut costs.

Volkswagen’s Shift to CUPRA

According to WirtschaftsWoche, a German publication, Volkswagen is thinking about phasing out the traditional Seat brand by the end of 2029. The reasoning? It’s all about the money. They want to simplify their operations, reduce costs, and focus on brands that show better growth potential.

Cupra seems to be gaining the upper hand in this internal struggle. According to a report in The Objective, in the first half of this year, Cupra sold 170,100 vehicles, while Seat managed 129,600. The newer brand is carving out a niche as Volkswagen Group’s sportier and more premium choice, while Seat is still linked to more budget-friendly models. This shift raises concerns that Seat might not fit into Volkswagen’s strategy moving forward.

Changes at Martorell

But if Seat does fade away, it doesn’t mean that car production at Martorell would stop overnight. The factory is already being revamped for electric vehicle manufacturing, and Volkswagen is pouring money into the site. This year, both Seat and Cupra started producing the Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo at Martorell, as part of Volkswagen Group’s new electric urban-car initiative, along with other models being made in Spain.

The plant has also kicked off assembly of battery systems for these electric vehicles, solidifying its future role in the group’s production plans. So, the uncertainty revolves more around the fate of the Seat brand itself rather than the immediate future of car making at Martorell.

Workers Want Clarity

The idea of Seat disappearing has understandably raised alarm among its workers. The company’s works council has called the potential loss of this historic brand “unacceptable,” urging public authorities to step in. Matías Carnero, the works council president, highlighted that around €10 billion has been invested in Seat’s move toward electrification, including public support.

He argued that if the brand vanishes, it would bring into question the commitments made by Volkswagen. That said, there’s a vital point to note here. Seat has stated that no decision has been made regarding the brand’s future. They acknowledge that Volkswagen and the broader automotive sector are undergoing significant shifts, but they haven’t confirmed anything about Seat’s demise.

A Cherished Brand in Jeopardy

Founded in 1950, Seat has been a staple in Spain’s automotive scene. Iconic models like the Ibiza, León, and Arona have become common sights on Spanish roads. The Ibiza, particularly, is still one of Spain’s top-selling cars, with 19,837 units sold in the country by September 2026, according to recent figures.

For many consumers who grew up with Seat, the thought of losing the brand isn’t just about business; it brings personal reflections on whether the cars they know and love might be the last to carry a brand that’s been part of the Spanish vehicle landscape for over seventy years.

Volkswagen’s Broader Cost-Cutting Strategy

This potential decision regarding Seat comes as part of a restructuring at Volkswagen. Their newly launched Future Plan 2030 plans to cut 50,000 jobs, streamline production, and reduce the number of vehicle models. Volkswagen is also grappling with surplus manufacturing capacity in Europe and stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers.

For Spain, the pressing issue isn’t so much whether Martorell will keep producing cars, but whether those cars will still bear the Seat name. For now, Volkswagen hasn’t officially declared the brand’s ending, leaving one of Spain’s most recognisable automotive names with an uncertain fate.

Neil Diamond fans can enjoy an evening of classic hits when tribute performer Rees brings The Neil Diamond Experience to Lo Crispin Tavern & Beer Garden in Algorfa on Saturday, September 12.

The show will celebrate the songs of one of the world’s most successful singer-songwriters, with a set drawing on a career spanning decades.

Neil Diamond classics will fill the Lo Crispin beer garden

Audiences can expect familiar favourites including “Sweet Caroline”, “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Love on the Rocks”, “Forever in Blue Jeans”, “Song Sung Blue” and “I Am… I Said”, alongside more from Diamond’s extensive catalogue.

The evening takes place in the beer garden, with meals served from 7:00 PM before the tribute show begins at 9:00 PM.

Rees will take audiences through some of the songs that made Neil Diamond an international star, with the Saturday night performance offering fans the chance to hear many of his best-known hits together in one show.

€15 ticket includes an evening meal and tribute show

Tickets cost €15 per person, including a meal and the show.

Meal choices include scampi with chips, peas and tartare sauce; gammon steak with chips and peas; or lasagne with chips and garlic bread.

Ice cream is included for dessert, while vegetarian alternatives include lasagne, curry and Mexican-style pizza.

A children’s menu will also be available for youngsters aged 12 and under, allowing families to attend the evening together.

Meals will be served from 7:00 PM, giving diners plenty of time to eat before The Neil Diamond Experience begins at 9:00 PM.

Bookings are open for the September 12 performance in Algorfa

Lo Crispin Tavern is open Monday to Sunday from 11:00 AM until 11:30 PM.

The venue is located at Avenida de las Naciones 55A, Algorfa.

With dinner included in the €15 ticket price, the September 12 event combines an evening meal with a full tribute to the music of Neil Diamond in the venue’s beer garden.

For bookings and further information, call (+34) 966 924 828 or email locrispintavern@hotmail.com.