An independent Lichfield audiology practice is marking World Hearing Day on Tuesday 3rd March 2026 with a creative project celebrating the sounds that make the city special.
Cathedral Hearing, based on Sandford Street, has launched “Sounds of the City” — a growing online library of familiar Lichfield sounds, recorded across the city and shared on its website.
Principal audiologist Laura Evans hopes the project will encourage people to reflect on how rich and detailed everyday hearing truly is and to better understand the experience of those living with hearing loss.
The recordings will also be used during a special Open Day on Saturday 28th February, when patients can book a complimentary hearing assessment between 10am and 4pm. Appointments can be made via the Cathedral Hearing website.
Capturing the Sounds That Define Lichfield
The Sounds of the City project already includes recordings of:
- Lichfield Cathedral’s bells tolling
- Coffee being prepared at The Auction Café
- Birdsong in Beacon Park
- Tourist guide Jono Oates on one of his walking tours
- Town Crier Adrian Holmes
- Bands performing at The Hub at St Mary’s
- A match at Lichfield Hockey Club
More recordings will be added throughout the year, building an evolving audio archive of the city’s character.
Laura Evans said:
Hearing often deteriorates gradually, meaning everyday sounds can fade into the background until they are much less audible. The most common type of hearing issue affects higher frequencies, which can impair clarity and enjoyment of sounds such as birdsong and music.
What makes Lichfield so amazing is a combination of its sights, places and importantly, its sounds. Those suffering from hearing loss are therefore missing out on a huge part of what makes Lichfield the beautiful city it is.
Every sound has a story. The Cathedral’s bells produce a range of frequencies peppered with strike notes when they chime on the hour. Beacon Park is tranquil with birdsong but also carries the distant hum of the A51. Coffee shops are full of conversation and grinding beans — layers of competing sounds. – Laura Evans
The Sounds of the City project will continue beyond World Hearing Day, with further recordings planned throughout 2026.
To listen to the recordings or book a free consultation on Saturday 28th February, visit
www.cathedralhearing.co.uk or call 01543 319641.
