Two thirds of Rotarians could have hearing loss
3 June 2008
Tests carried out by leading charity Deafness Research UK suggests that almost two thirds of Rotarians may have permanent hearing loss, ranging from ‘mild’ to ‘severe’.
Whilst many Rotarians attending the recent RIBI conference in Blackpool might have considered their hearing ‘selective’ at worst, the charity Deafness Research UK has shown that the problem of deafness within Rotary circles may be greater than had been previously identified or acknowledged.
During the Blackpool event, Deafness Research UK tested 250 Rotarians using two hearing screeners donated to the charity by Specsavers Hearing Centres. Deafness Research UK received a great deal of feedback from Rotarians at Blackpool and several Districts have pledged their future support in various ways.
A spokesperson for District 1170, said: “We are impressed with the work of Deafness Research UK and have decided we want to help fund the charity to conduct further research into deafness.” The Deafness Research UK message was also communicated further afield when the charity attended the Lille conference of District 1140.
John Dumbrell, District Governor of Rotary International District 1140, said: “We were pleased to welcome Deafness Research UK to our recent Lille event, where we were made aware of the important need for research into deafness and other related conditions such as tinnitus.
Commenting on the Blackpool tests, Head of Information for Deafness Research UK, Geraldine Oliver, said, “We already know that 55% of people across the UK over the age of 60 have some level of hearing loss.” In Blackpool at the annual Rotary International conference, 50% had a mild to moderate level of hearing loss, with a further 13% recording what we would call a ‘severe’ hearing loss.
"With some background noise at the venue, the test conditions were not always ideal,“ says Geraldine. “However, we have made some allowance for this and believe that the results are essentially correct. The screening method is designed to give an indication of possible hearing loss and the need for further testing. We would urge anyone concerned about their hearing to get a hearing test as soon as possible. Once hearing damage is identified, then there are practical steps you can take to minimise the effects not only on your own life, but that of your loved ones as well.”
Deafness Research UK is the country’s only charity dedicated to finding cures and new treatments for deaf and hard of hearing people and those with tinnitus. Whilst its key aim is to raise money in order to support research, the charity fulfils an important role in educating the public about hearing and ear problems. The charity produces a wide range of information incorporating the latest scientific and medical evidence which is available free of charge.
Geraldine Oliver added: “Deafness Research UK receives no government funding and would welcome the support of Rotary clubs to enable us to continue our important work.
“We are happy to bring along our hearing screeners and information to future Rotarian events, and we can also provide speakers to talk about the charity’s work.” For further details, contact Gemma Leary on 020 7833 1733 or email .
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.
- 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
- Deafness Research UK was founded in 1985 by Lord and Lady Ashley of Stoke.
- With effect from January 2008, Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR), became part of the Deafness Research UK family of charities.
- 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 e-mail Deafness Research UK at
- One in seven people in the UK – almost nine million people - suffer hearing loss.
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Ref: DRUK0076 – Rotarians
