2012-02-14 17:26:54 - Free hearing screenings from Deafness Research UK

Hearing is a numbers game for Deafness Research UK this week, as the national charity pops into the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in Fareham, Hampshire, to conduct free hearing screening for staff.

Deafness Research UK is on a mission to get as many people as possible to protect their hearing, and to this end, screenings will be available all day from 10.00 am on Monday 20 February, when Deafness Research UK’s team of experts will be on hand with advice on hearing loss and free hearing screening for those who would like it.

Together with the award-winning Bionic Ear Show (sponsored by BUPA and supported by the BIG Lottery Fund), dedicated hearing screenings such as the ones being undertaken

at the ONS are just one more way Deafness Research UK looks to provide support and advice on hearing loss. Deafness Research UK’s hearing screeners and the charity’s Bionic Ear Show are available to visit various organisations, businesses social groups and colleges and this week is the turn of the Office of National Statistics.

Increasing numbers of us are causing damage to our hearing with loud music from MP3 players, and while many are often unwilling to come forward at the first sign of symptoms, early treatment remains the best defence against hearing loss, while there is still time to recover or halt the decline, as once the damage is done, there is currently no cure.

“Our free hearing screening service is a great way to check of your hearing is as it should be,” said Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK. “So whether you have had the MP3 player set too high or have been stood too close to speakers, we hope a free opportunity to get a hearing health check-up will encourage anyone concerned to come forward.”

The ears and hearing system are often taken for granted but are one of the most important parts of the human body. The Hearing screening is quick, painless and reinforces the importance of looking after your hearing. Deafness Research UK encourages hearing checks to be undertaken regularly for the same reason people have eye tests; to spot any problems while they are small and easily dealt with.

Hearing loss is on the rise. The loud noises and buzzing from heavy machinery can mean workers are at risk of developing tinnitus (noises in the ears and head) and or premature hearing loss. Deafness Research UK is committed to delivering the serious facts about hearing loss far and wide, as in many cases the charity can help. The hearing screenings are taking place at the Office for National Statistics at Sengensworth Road, Fareham, Titchfield, Hants from 10.00am onwards.

The ONS can trace its origins all the way back to William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book of 1086; although in its present day form, the mission of the ONS is to improve understanding of life in the United Kingdom and enable informed decisions through trusted, relevant and independent statistics and analysis. Statistics tend to get a bad press; but this is to ignore the very real role they play in the modern world. It is one thing to say more research into Deafness is vital, but to say the condition affects nine million people, puts the scale of the problem and the urgency required in looking for treatments into perspective.

Anyone who would like hearing screenings or the Bionic Ear Sow to visit their organisation, school, community group or event free of charge should contact Laura Turner at Deafness Research UK on 020 7164 2294 or email Laura at Laura.turner@deafnessresearch.org.uk . The schedule is subject to change, but an up to date version and further information can be found on the website at: www.bionicearshow.org
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