Deafness Research UK publishes Annual Review
6 August 2009
Less than £2 per year still being spent on hearing research
Although one in seven – around 9 million people in the UK – suffer hearing loss, less than £2 per year is spent per capita on finding treatments and cures, making deafness research a ‘Cinderella’ charity desperate for further funding. The news comes as Deafness Research UK, the only charity totally dedicated to finding treatments and cures for deafness, tinnitus and other deafness related conditions, publishes its Annual Review.
Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, said: “Few charities have the impact we have with such limited resources. Our work is giving people better hearing today and hope for the future. We accept that there are more fashionable charities, however the fact remains that few charities serve such a large proportion of the population as we do, on such a limited budget. Once you have been affected deafness, tinnitus, or other debilitating hearing conditions, you will realise that the work of Deafness Research UK is potentially life-changing for millions of people.”
“This year, we have continued to support groundbreaking science to develop better technologies for deaf people, understand why we lose our hearing and find lasting solutions. Investment in hearing research lags far behind that into other disabilities. According to a recent independent report on UK medical research, the country is spending less than £2 per year on hearing research for every person affected. So it is absolutely vital that Deafness Research UK not only increases the funding available for research but that we use the funds we have to maximum effect. That means supporting the very highest quality medical and scientific research but, more than that, we must also make sure that all our research meets the needs of those affected and take action to ensure that research results reach the front line health professionals.”
Recently Deafness Research UK showcased some of its internationally acclaimed research at a House of Commons reception where peers and MPs learnt about studies into the pre-verbal communication skills in deaf children. The research, by Dr Margaret Tait, has helped improve the effectiveness of hearing aids and cochlear implants for children worldwide.
Deafness Research UK announced its most recent grant last week – over £39,000 to the Peninsula Medical School, to investigate the role of brain tumours causing deafness in children and adults and the development of therapies using in vitro models.
2008 Annual Review highlights included the highly innovative Bionic Ear Show, an interactive, educational roadshow which attracted nearly 20,000 visitors at 154 UK-wide venues, achieving a media reach of over 26,000,000 people.
To download Deafness Research UK’s 2008 Annual Review as a pdf file, click on the following link:
www.deafnessresearch.org.uk/docs/review08.pdf (pdf file, 1.75Mb)
To obtain a copy of the Annual Review
Phone free on 0808 808 2222
Go to the online order form at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk/?lid=3564
Notes to editors
About Deafness Research UK
- Deafness Research UK is the country’s only charity dedicated to finding new cures, treatments and technologies for deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired people.
- The charity supports high quality medical research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of hearing impairment including tinnitus.
- Deafness Research UK is entirely dependent on voluntary donations, gifts and personal legacies. You can donate online at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk/donate , or call 0207 7833 1733 for further information on how to support the charity.
- The Deafness Research UK Information Service provides free information and advice based on the latest scientific evidence and informed by leading experts. The Information Service can be contacted on Freephone 0808 808 2222.
- For more information on research into deafness, tinnitus and other hearing conditions, log on to the website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk where you can access a wide range of information. Alternatively you can email Deafness Research UK at
- One in seven people in the UK – almost nine million people - suffer hearing loss.
- Deafness Research UK was founded in 1985 by Lord (Jack) and Lady Ashley of Stoke.
- In January 2008, Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR) was linked with Deafness Research UK under a uniting direction order under Section 96 (6) of the Charities Act 1993.
Press enquiries
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Ref: DR-UK0153 – Annual Review July 2009
