But as far as my work is concerned, I see no impediment, and various advantages, to being deaf.

Nothing is going to improve my hearing. I've only got to prevent it from getting worse.

I think the deafness affects me more than I realise I think it makes me more tired. I loathe parties. I attend, smile and leave.

I have to concentrate more intently when people speak. I always have to position myself on their right side so that I can hear out of my left ear. I sometimes get a crick in my neck from listening. But I don't there's too much else.

When I look in the mirror, I sometimes think I'm getting old, but then I have two generations behind me so that helps puts things into perspective. I am a grandmother now, but at least my nine-year-old grandson Jude calls me Glamma and not Granny.

But as far as my work is concerned, I see no impediment, and various advantages, to being deaf.

People keep asking me if I'll marry again. It's as if after you've had one car crash you want another.