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DeafHear.ie National Hearing Screening Project 2010
The National Hearing Screening Project will be launched at DeafHear.ie's National Headquarters, 35 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1 at 11.00am on February 23rd 2010.
As part of the project launch, Miriam O’Callaghan of RTE will be the first of 1,000 people around the country to have her hearing screened.
The project will provide 1,000 free hearing screening checks nationally to people over 40 years of age. The project aims to ra ise awareness of the prevalence and impact of acquired hearing loss, to encourage those with acquired hearing loss to seek support, and to provide information on supports available and how to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing people. As part of the project over 5,000 information leaflets will be distributed to the public, with facts and information on hearing loss and ageing, assistive technology and HearingTherapy. Throughout the year, a number of leading personalities will have their hearing screened. Updates on the project will be available on Deaf Hear's website www.deafhear.ie.
Some facts about hearing loss:
- Approximately one person in seven has a hearing loss.
- 20% of people aged over 50, and 40% of people aged over 70, have a significant disabling hearing loss.
- People who acquire a significant hearing loss wait on average 10 years before seeking help and support.
- Older people have identified maintaining family relationships as the singular most important aspect of their lives: acquired hearing loss is the most significant cause of social isolation among older people.
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For more information on the Deaf Hear National Hearing Screening Project contact:
Brendan Lennon
Address: DeafHear.ie, 35 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1
Mobile: 086-8171583
DeafHear.ie provides support services to deaf and hard of hearing people and their families, and to professional working with them. Deaf Hear campaigns and advocates for improved health and education services and better access to society for all deaf and hard of hearing people. |
| Miriam O’Callaghan of RTE |
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