The UK Council on Deafness, founded in 1993 and the national umbrella organisation for charities and professional bodies working in the field of deafness, co-ordinates deaf awareness week which involves UK wide series of national and local events to raise awareness of the needs of the 1 in 6 deaf or hard of hearing people in the UK. Deaf Awareness Week aims to promote the positive aspects of deafness, promote social inclusion and raise awareness of the huge range of local organisations that support deaf people and their family and friends.
This year’s theme is ‘acquired deafness’. Acquired deafness is the loss of hearing that occurs or develops some time during a person's life but was not present at birth.
Acquired causes may lead to hearing loss at any age, such as:
- infectious diseases including meningitis, measles and mumps
- chronic ear infections
- collection of fluid in the ear (otitis media)
- use of certain medicines, such as those used in the treatment of neonatal infections, malaria, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and cancers
- injury to the head or ear
- excessive noise, including occupational noise such as that from machinery and explosions
- recreational exposure to loud sounds such as that from use of personal audio devices at high volumes and for prolonged periods of time and regular attendance at concerts, nightclubs, bars and sporting events
- ageing, in particular due to degeneration of sensory cells
- wax or foreign bodies blocking the ear canal
To reduce the risk of recreational noise-induced hearing loss, it’s important that you practice safe listening. If you're exposed to loud noise as a result of occupational or recreational activity, protection against hearing damage is essential. Arlington Laboratories produce a range of customised hearing protection products. You can find out more on their website or by calling 01635 569346.
Anyone who engages in high risk noise exposures should have their hearing evaluated at least once a year, to see if there's been any change in hearing ability. To book your free initial assessment with the experts at Mary Hare Hearing Centre call 01635 523 343 or email newburycentre@maryhare.org.uk.
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