New chief research adviser

26 April 2007

Deafness Research UK has appointed Professor Quentin Summerfield from the University of York to be its new chief research adviser.

Formerly Deputy Director of the MRC's Institute for Hearing Research in Nottingham, Professor Summerfield led the national evaluation of the benefits of cochlear implants, so-called "bionic ears" for profoundly deaf people, which led to these revolutionary devices becoming available on the NHS.

Professor Summerfield is currently carrying out research to help parents of deaf children and their doctors work out whether they could benefit from having two implants instead of one. Throughout the world, about 50,000 children are able to hear thanks to cochlear implants. All but a handful of these children use a single implant in one ear but providing children with two implants could have many benefits. Two-eared listening improves the ability to locate sources of sound and to track their movements. These advantages should help children to know where to look to see who is talking at home and at school, and to know where to move to avoid hazards when outdoors.

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, said of Professor Summerfield’s appointment, "Identifying the most exciting and promising research into deafness is vital if we are going to develop better treatments, cures, or therapies for the UK's nine million deaf or hard of hearing people. We’re delighted that Professor Summerfield has agreed to become our new chief research adviser and help towards this important goal."

The charity's chief research adviser plays a vital role in ensuring that Deafness Research UK supports the best and most promising research into finding a cure for deafness. Professor Summerfield joins the charity as they put into practice a new research strategy which aims to secure the sustainability of hearing research in the UK: supporting young scientists early in their careers to improve the number of people within the field and prevent losses to related branches of research.

Professor Summerfield said: "Hearing research is entering a very exciting period – never before have there been so many promising lines of research which could lead to new therapies, treatments, or even cures that will transform the lives of millions of sufferers. I'm looking forward to working with Deafness Research UK to help ensure a flourishing future for hearing research in the UK."