South Wales Audiologist Rhys Morris-Barber Celebrates 25 Years in Audiology
BBC Radio Wales resident audiologist Rhys Morris-Barber is celebrating 25 years in the profession, marking a major milestone in a career dedicated to helping people understand and look after their hearing.
From answering questions about turning the television up to explaining why conversations can become harder to follow in busy restaurants, Rhys has become a familiar source of straightforward hearing advice across South Wales.
Alongside his role as resident audiologist on BBC Radio Wales, he has built a growing social media following by sharing accessible advice about hearing, ear health and earwax removal.
Today, Rhys is Principal Audiologist and co-founder of Audiology Associates, an independent hearing clinic with practices in Cardiff and Ebbw Vale.
25 years of helping people understand their hearing
For Rhys, reaching 25 years in audiology is not simply about marking time. It represents thousands of conversations with patients and a quarter of a century spent understanding the concerns people have about their hearing.
"Audiology has changed enormously over the last 25 years, but one thing hasn't changed, people often put off doing something about their hearing. I think making hearing easier to understand is really important. People shouldn't feel embarrassed about asking questions, and having a hearing test doesn't automatically mean you need hearing aids."
- Rhys Morris-Barber
Before co-founding Audiology Associates in 2014, Rhys spent seven years as an NHS Paediatric Lead.
His experience across both NHS and independent audiology has shaped a simple approach to patient care: helping people understand their hearing and giving them the information they need to make an informed decision without pressure.
Taking hearing advice beyond the clinic
Hearing concerns do not always begin with an obvious problem.
It might be finding yourself increasing the television volume, asking people to repeat themselves more often or struggling to follow conversations when there is background noise.
Through his work on BBC Radio Wales and social media, Rhys aims to answer these everyday questions and make audiology easier to understand.
By taking hearing advice beyond the clinic, he can also address questions people may feel unsure or embarrassed about asking.
Most importantly, a hearing test does not automatically mean someone will need hearing aids. It can simply provide a clearer understanding of their current hearing health and whether any further action is recommended.
A double award-winning year for Audiology Associates
Rhys’s 25-year milestone comes during a particularly successful year for Audiology Associates.
In 2026, the clinic received two major awards:
- Best Audiology Company in Wales at the SME United Kingdom Awards
- Winner of the Health and Wellbeing category at the South East Wales Business Awards
The recognition adds to Audiology Associates’ multi-award-winning status and reflects the team’s continued focus on patient experience and hearing care.
"We're incredibly proud of the awards, but what matters most is helping people understand their hearing and feel confident about what to do next. If someone leaves us feeling listened to, reassured and better informed, that's what makes 25 years in audiology worthwhile."
- Rhys Morris-Barber
When should you have your hearing tested?
You do not need to wait until hearing difficulties start having a significant impact on everyday life before booking a hearing test.
Changes in hearing can happen gradually, which means they are not always immediately noticeable. Having your hearing checked can give you a better understanding of where your hearing is now and help identify any changes that may need further investigation.
After 25 years in the profession, Rhys continues to encourage people to ask questions, learn more about their hearing and seek professional advice when something does not feel quite right.
Book a hearing appointment with Audiology Associates
If you would like to understand your hearing better or speak to an audiologist about any concerns, the Audiology Associates team is available at its Cardiff and Ebbw Vale clinics.
Call: 01495 651232
Book online: Contact Audiology Associates | Reserve an Appointment
Email: admin@audiologyassociates.co.uk
