Deafness Research UK to host All Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness
13 October 2009
Westminster's leading ambassadors for deaf and hard of hearing people will have the opportunity to witness first hand the latest deafness research techniques and technologies tomorrow (Wednesday 14th October), when the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Deafness are hosted by Deafness Research UK at the UCL Ear Institute.
Westminster's leading ambassadors for deaf and hard of hearing people will have the opportunity to witness first hand the latest deafness research techniques and technologies tomorrow (Wednesday 14 October), when the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Deafness are hosted by Deafness Research UK at the UCL Ear Institute.
Members of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness, chaired by Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP, will gain an invaluable insight into current research programmes into tinnitus, deafness and other ear-related conditions, and an understanding of where future research needs to be focused. Some of the best brains in the world in the field of deafness research are based at UCL's Ear Institute; the APPG will have a chance to learn about leading edge technology into deafness research, speaking directly to those responsible for shaping the lives of millions with the scientific breakthroughs they make.
Vivienne Michael, CEO for Deafness Research UK, said: “It's an honour and a privilege to host the APPG on Deafness at the Ear Institute. As the country's only charity dedicated to supporting research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of hearing impairment including tinnitus, it's vital that we keep policy makers up-to-date with research developments and future funding requirements.
In preventing and curing deafness, we would save the UK taxpayer £12,000,000,000* and around 9 million of the 61 million people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing, so we cannot afford to be complacent about the effect this has on people's lives, the nation's health and the country's finances. Without further research, treatments and cures, our ageing population means the picture could get worse before it gets better.
”Adult-onset hearing loss is a leading cause of the Global Burden of Disease* and is 2nd in the table of leading causes of Years Lived with a Disability*
”We want everyone to know who is at risk of deafness and related conditions, what research can do, and where to get good advice. Hosting Westminster's representatives for the deaf and hard of hearing is a key part of that communications process with the public, and I am sure the APPG will find tomorrow's visit both fascinating and incredibly informative.”
Run entirely on voluntary contributions, Deafness Research UK aims to support high quality medical and scientific research which meets the needs of hearing impaired people; raise awareness of the impact of deafness and other related conditions and provide information and advice based upon the most up-to-date and reliable evidence available.
Deafness Research UK has played a key role in a number of major breakthroughs including the development of a new test to detect hearing loss at birth, the discovery of many of the genes responsible for deafness and the use of digital technology in hearing aids and implants. The charity is based at the UCL Ear Institute in London but makes grants to research centres across the UK. To date, Deafness Research UK has awarded over £10 million in research grants and, since its Information & Advice Service was launched in 2003, it has helped almost 1,250,000 people.
All Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness (Biogs available on request)
The All Parliamentary Group on Deafness visiting Deafness Research UK tomorrow comprises: Malcolm Bruce MP - Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness; Jim Cunningham MP – PPS to Stephen O'Brien, Health Minister; James Dolan Cunningham (known as Jim Cunningham), British Labour Party (Member of Parliament for Coventry South). Harry Cohen MP – Member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee; Baroness Masham of Ilton – Crossbench Peer with strong interest in health and disability and research; Lord Low of Dalston – Crossbench Peer; Colin Mackenzie Low, Baron Low of Dalston, CBE, member of the House of Lords.
The burden of hearing loss
9 million of the 61 million people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing
Adult-onset hearing loss is the 15th leading cause of the Global Burden of Disease*
2nd in the leading causes of Years Lived with a Disability*
Life years affected and estimated UK cost of intervention for those with >35 dB hearing loss†
Congenital deafness
75 years x 2 per 1000 lives = 150 years per 1000 lives
£63,000 per 1000 lives
Acquired childhood deafness
65 years x 4 per 1000 lives = 260 years per 1000 lives
£51,000 per 1000 lives
Adult onset hearing loss
15 years x 100 per 1000 lives = 1500 years per 1000 lives
£80,000 per 1000 lives
Total cost to the UK
£12, 000,000,000
Half of deafness and hearing impairment is avoidable*
Notes
* World Health Organisation
† Prof Adrian Davis, Director, Newborn Hearing Screening Programme
For information on research into deafness and other hearing conditions, log on to the website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk where you can access a wide range of information. People can call the Deafness Research UK freephone helpline on 0808 808 2222, or e-mail
Press enquiries
Jon Gardner, BeyondPR. Direct line 0114 275 6996. Mobile 07930 697773. email:
Ref: DR-UK0161 – APPG on Deafness Oct 2009
