Bionic Ear show capitalises on the Third Age in London

26 January 2012

 The Bionic Ear Show delivers hearing-loss lesson to lip-readers in London

The Bionic Ear Show is performing for the London base of the University of the Third Age (U3A), on January 31, for members of the South London Lip Reading Group. Presented by national charity Deafness Research UK, the award winning show sponsored by BUPA and the BIG Lottery Fund and will be providing viewers with a fun packed, entertaining and informative show on how the ear works, what can go wrong and what can be done to put things right.

The Bionic Ear Show has been designed to help people of all ages understand the importance of caring for your ears, to prevent early hearing loss – especially in the younger generation. The show is hosted by the enthusiastic Tobin May and features among other things, interactive games, demonstrations and ‘the world’s largest ear’ – which is a whopping 22ft long. The serious underlying message surrounding the science behind ears and hearing loss is explained for audiences of all ages to understand and no scientific knowledge is needed to enjoy the show.

The University of the Third Age are self- help lifelong learning cooperatives for older people no longer in full time work, and the Lip Reading Groups are committed to helping the deaf and hard of hearing and those suffering from Tinnitus. The groups are just part of a number of services the U3A provides, with lip reading classes available to those who suffer from hearing loss or simply wish to learn, making it the perfect setting for the Bionic Ear Show.

The show is taking place on 31 January at St Mary’s Centre, Eltham High Street in London between 2-3pm. Hearing screenings will be available following the show, plus a short talk from Deafness Research UK’s Andrew Goodwin. Full details can be gained by contacting the centre at St Marys centre

“While the revolution in MP3 and phone technology has given us all the benefit of music on the move, an unwelcome side effect is we are pumping up the volume into our ears and at a far earlier age than ever before,” said Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK. One of the key messages the Bionic Ear Show will be taking to the University of the Third Age, is not to stop using MP3 players, or enjoying music, but to enjoy your favourite sounds and your hearing for longer.”

The audience will have the chance to hear demonstrations of what it sounds like for those with high frequency hear loss, as well as a ‘guess that tune’ game allowing the audience to experience how difficult it is for those with cochlear implants (so called Bionic Ears) to recognise the everyday sounds and music so many of us take for granted. Everyone can take something positive from this award winning show. The Bionic Ear Show appeals to all ages and includes hearing tests along with informative demonstrations about how the ear works and how to protect your hearing.

To invite the Bionic Ear Roadshow to your school, community group or event, contact Laura Turner at Deafness Research UK. Laura can be contacted on 020 7164 22 94 or email Laura. The show is free of charge and while the schedule is subject to change, the latest information can be found on the website at: Bionic ear show