YESTERDAY’S CRYPTIC SOLUTION:

Across: 7 Hard of hearing; 8 Integral; 9 Cast; 10 Caress; 12 Therms; 14 Onward; 16 Divest; 18 User; 20 Trial run; 22 First language.

Down: 1 Maintain; 2 Adhere; 3 Afar; 4 Deflated; 5 Creche; 6 Onus; 11 Sedately; 13 Misjudge; 15 Across; 17 Valour; 19 Suit; 21 Inns.