Stringfellow Miss Universe Man Utd stars backs National hopeful loves back NDCS Tinnitus Week her implant footie clubs Page 8 Page 13 Page 16

Issue 5 March 2009 www.hearingtimes.co.uk MoD issue smart ear plugs to all new troops By Gemma Davidson by Racal Acoustics, and operate on a different principle to the sound-cancel- British troops getting ready to de- ling buds/headsets now popular in the ploy to Afghanistan are being issued consumer and musician markets. Each with electronic sound-cancelling ear plug has an external mike and a nor- plugs designed to let them hear what mal internal speaker, and connects to they need to - orders, conversations, the existing Personal Role Radio - the enemy footfalls - but prevent hearing short-range radio worn by individual damage caused by explosions, gunfire soldiers to talk to their teammates. and so on, it has been revealed. According to an MoD statement: News of the digi- “The TTS will com- plugs comes courtesy press any loud exter- of the Times, report- nal noises and feed ing from the ranks of them back to the 19 Light Brigade as it wearer’s ears at a safe prepares to head out level thereby provid- to Helmand Province ing hearing protec- later this year. tion and situational The Times re- awareness. Speech is porter notes that the passed to the radio heavy-duty fighting in via the TTS ensuring Afghanistan - intense the soldier remains in firefights, with much communication with use of heavy weap- All troops deployed to Afghani- his team.” ons, airstrikes, artil- stan will now receive protectors The system is called lery and so forth being Personalised Interfaced routine - has taken its toll on British Hearing Protection (PIHP), and ap- troops’ hearing, with many having to parently the plugs are “individually be taken off combat status as a result. moulded” for better ear protection. Normal earplugs or ear defenders The MoD says it has bought 10,000 have long been issued, but tend not to sets and intends that units headed be worn as they prevent soldiers hear- into combat in Afghanistan - starting ing orders, radio calls or other neces- with 19 Light this year - will be rou- sary sounds. tinely equipped with them. PRINCE OF HEARTS: Prince Harry, the Royal Patron of the charity WellChild, plays around Hearing Times reported on the need The Telegraph’s headline writers with children at the 2008 WellChild Awards ceremony, which have now been launched for ear protectors to be issued to believe that the PIHP plugs are simi- for the 5th year. The awards recognise the bravery of sick children from all over the UK, troops in November last year, and it lar to those “used by pop stars from and the dedication of their families, doctors, support workers and teachers. Nominations would seem that the MoD is starting to Madonna to Take That to protect their for the 2009 WellChild Awards are now being taken, so if you know a child, family, medi- pay attention. hearing”, which seems fair. cal worker or teacher who deserves some recognition, turn to page 5 to find out more The new earplugs are being supplied Continued on page 4 details. The Ear Foundation celebrates 20 years of Cochlear Implants - page 2 2 News hearing times  march 2009

Readers’ letters Editorial The logic of diminuendo is reaching a crescendo Celebrities Dear Editor, All praise and thanks to ‘Old Rocker’, for his/her loud music warning, and to out in force the Hearing Times, for printing it. I also remember the day when I was required to play my guitar at a painful for charities level. A drummer friend told me that Welcome to another exciting edition the pleasure came from experiencing of Hearing Times! the music not only through the sockets February has been a very busy of his teeth but also through the soles month, what with National Tinnitus of his feet. Week and plenty of charities finding Music played at this level is a dan- something to celebrate. gerous, grinding, psychosomatic It is nice to see our sports teams experience. Higher aesthetic thinking doing so well in the run up to the becomes impossible. And because it is Deaflympics in Taiwan this September, both hedonistic and addictive, warn- and bringing in medals by the week it ings from responsible non-addicts are would seem! Turn to the back pages inevitably treated with resentment and to see how the athletics team are derision. doing in local events. One name to Preaching the gospel of ’Elf and keep an eye on is Lauren Peffers: a Safety’ is unpopular at the moment. very promising young runner who But the times are changing. And a few is almost guaranteed to bring home more years of economic belt-tighten- another great haul of medals this year. ing could well see the return of the It is only March and she has already good old-fashioned diminuendo. smashed a European indoor record. Keep up the good work. Well done Lauren! Richard Tomalin It is also nice to see so many Via email celebrities doing their bit for deaf and hard of hearing charities this month, from Peter Sringfellow supporting the Send your letters to National Tinnitus Week (Peter has editorial@hearingtimes. suffered from tinnitus since 1983) and co.uk or visit the Dancing on Ice stars lending a www.hearingtimes.co.uk - hand to the deafblind charity, Sense. we’d love to hear from you! Boxing hero Ricky Hatton is also throwing his weight behind the RNID Great North Run this year, turn to page 4 to find our how you can get involved and help raise some money for the charity, as well as getting fit at the same time! Ear Foundation celebrates As always, we are keen to involve as much fresh talent as possible in Hearing Times. If you would like to write a story for us, submit photographs from an event you have 20th birthday with a party been to, or just send us an idea for By Gemma Davidson an article, please do email us at [email protected] for more A charity which pioneered the first information. multi-channel cochlear implants for Next month Hearing Times will children celebrated its 20th birthday be attending the annual American he Ear Foundation on 1 March. T Academy of Audiology convention in The Ear Foundation funded the first Texas, USA, so we will be bringing implants in 1989 with a great deal of you all the news from over the pond, support from the local community. as well as letting you know of any Since then, the majority of profoundly exciting new products we come

deaf children in the UK now have Sue Archbold, Photo: across! coch­lear implants and are able to hear. The implants have transformed the See you next month! opportunities available to these chil- Gemma (Editor) dren and for the increasing numbers of deaf adult who are choosing to have implants. Many implanted children and adults attended the birthday party at the charity’s Lenton Headquarters. The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Gul Nawaz Khan was there How to contact us to greet them, as well as local favou- Celebrating success: John Atkins, chairman of the Ear Foundation, (2nd left) with founders, We would like to know what you rite Colin Wells, star of Hollyoaks. Sue Archbold (chief executive), Steve Mason, Gerry O’Donoghue, Barry McCormick think of Hearing Times! Those in attendance got the chance If you have any comments or to learn about internationally-renown- Hearing Times: “The amazing oppor- Michael has are open to all deaf chil- questions, or have a story you ed Ear Foundation, the technology tunities offered by cochlear implants dren and their families.’ would like to tell us about, please which allows implants to be carried for deaf children and adults will be For information on events, call Sue let us know. out, and how this had changed over celebrated throughout the month, Archbold or Jo Collinson on 01159 42 the last two decades. culminating in a family weekend at 1985. For information on cochlear im- Email: The party was the start of a month Center Parcs.” plants, visit www.earfoundation.org.uk. [email protected] of celebrations, with family walks Marian Batt, mother of Michael, the Phone: 0845 2930688 (Hear, Talk and Walk) taking place boy who received the first implant in Web: www.hearingtimes.co.uk around the country, and the first ever 1989, said ‘The change in 20 years is Do you have a story for us? Email Write to: Hearing Times Ltd concert for deaf and hearing people unbelievable. We all had to fight for [email protected] or The Lansbury Estate, taking place at the Djanogley Centre implantation to be available and The visit www.hearingtimes.co.uk 102 Lower Guildford Road, in Nottingham University on 24 March. Ear Foundation funded the operations Woking, Surrey, GU21 2EP An Ear Foundation spokesman told then. Now the amazing opportunities march 2009  hearing times news 3 ense urner, S urner, T Ear protectors for all school

Photo: courtesy of Lydia courtesyPhoto: of Lydia music teachers, research says SCHOOL music teachers have been warned to wear earmuffs or stand behind noise screens to protect their hearing from noisy beginners. The most potentially deafening instrument is the cornet, with just one honk being enough to cause perma­ nent ear damage. And standing in the direct fire of in­ struments such as the flute, oboe and saxophone can become risky after just 15 minutes, research suggests. Standing next to a school band is HELPING HANDS: TV’s Dancing on Ice star judge Nicky Slater and TV soap star Gemma Bissix gave a deafblind woman an ice-skating even more dangerous, the Health and lesson to help raise money for deafblind people at the Sense annual charity City Ice Skate at Broadgate Circus. The pair was there to Safety Executive warns. give Lucy Adeyeye, 28, a Sense service user from the Anne Wall Centre in Barnet her first ever dancing on ice lesson, as well as offer ice- ‘Sound levels produced by groups of skating tips to competing corporate teams taking part in an ice-skating fundraising challenge in the city. Nicky Slater said: ‘We student instrumentalists are likely to really enjoyed giving a skating lesson to Lucy. She showed just what deafblind people can achieve. This was a great opportunity to do be higher than those produced by a something worthwhile and fun to help Sense raise vital funds for deafblind people.’ professional group of players because of less-developed technical abilities and natural exuberance,’ the organisa­ tion said. “Damaging sound levels have been measured at the conductor’s position in school bands.” The warning has been posted on the Double implant joy HSE website. It sets the lower safe daily limit for exposure to a prolonged noise at 80 decibels. This level takes account of the actual volume of sound and how long it con­ tinues. for deaf in Scotland Noise exposure is not the same as Hearing implants in both ears are an enormous difference to the lives of sion of bilateral cochlear implants on sound level, which is the noise mea­ now available for profoundly deaf chil­ severely deaf people in Scotland. the NHS for deaf children in Scotland. sured at a particular moment. dren on the NHS in Scotland for the “This is particularly true for deaf This move brings Scotland in line with After just 15 minutes of a saxophone first time. children, who evidence shows will get many other European countries. lesson, teachers can reach their safe Until now, children and adults with the greatest benefit from the new dou­ “NDCS Scotland is very pleased with daily exposure limit. severe to profound deafness have ble implants. This opens up a whole this announcement, the latest in a Conducting a brass, woodwind and been offered one cochlear implant to new world for them,” she added. programme of exciting developments percussion orchestra can be done maximise their hearing ability. The Health Secretary gave a com­ in paediatric audiology modernisa­ safely for just 19 minutes. New policy guidance for Scotland’s mitment in September 2008 that the tion in Scotland, and we look forward For a one-off sound, the lower safe health boards recommends double NHS in Scotland would review its to continuing to work with the Scot­ limit is 135 decibels and 140 decibels hearing implants be offered to all sev­ guidance and make any necessary tish Government to deliver an audiol­ must not be breached. erely to profoundly deaf children who changes when the latest NICE technol­ ogy service which is fit for every deaf When officials visited a school, they are not adequately helped by acoustic ogy appraisal on bilateral implants was child,” Ratcliffe added. found that noise in a cornet lesson hit hearing aids. Double implants will also complete. People who have previously been 140 decibels. In comparison, a pneu­ be offered to severely to profoundly Double implants will now be offered considered under the old guidance will matic drill makes a 100-decibel sound deaf adults who are also blind or have to all deaf people who meet the clini­ also now have the right to be assessed and 140 decibels equates to a plane other disabilities that increase their cal criteria – children and adults – at again under the new rules, and if they taking off. reliance upon their hearing. an estimated cost of around £750,000 meet the clinical criteria, they too will A school that allows staff to be Scottish Health Secretary Nicola per year. be able to receive a second implant. exposed to the cornet without protec­ Sturgeon said: “Having met with a Chris Ratcliffe, director of the Nat­ The new policy will be implemented tion would likely be in breach of noise number of parents of deaf children, ional Deaf Children’s Society Scotland, with immediate effect for those people regulations, the HSE warns. I’m very aware of how much they said: ‘We are delighted that following who meet the criteria and are cur­ “Sounds peaking above 140dB are value the National­ Cochlear Implanta­ the NICE announcement in England rently awaiting implantation. Around liable to cause immediate and lasting tion Service. and Wales, the Scottish Government is 32 children each year need cochlear damage rather than accumulating over “Being able to offer hearing implants making good on a promise made to us implantation and from now on all will time,’ the HSE warns. in both ears from now on will make in September to offer the same provi­ be offered bilateral implants. “It is therefore crucial that a thor­ ough noise control strategy is in place before any exposure to loud noise might occur.” To avoid overexposure, teachers can A sound idea for children overseas stand behind screens, ensure they do not stand in the line of fire of an in­ SPECSAVERS hearing centres provides essential support for children Specsavers optical stores for VAO for strument or, as a last resort, wear ear have announced a new fundraising in countries where audiology services use in developing countries. protectors. partnership with UK charity Sound are scarce. Specsavers stores offer Sound Seekers CEO Gary Williams If they do use acoustic screens, they Seekers. an ideal platform from which to says: “In the countries we work in fewer must be careful not to place them More than 300 stores will host request recycled hearing aids and host than one in 40 people who could benefit so that the sound reverberates back fundraising activities and collect fundraising activities for the charity. We from a hearing aid have one. Every to the child, putting them in added unwanted hearing aids for the charity. are delighted we can offer this level of single donated hearing aid counts, so danger. Sound Seekers will recycle the collected support to such a worthwhile cause.’ we are very grateful to Specsavers for The advice is aimed at protecting aids, taking them abroad to help The partnership follows the success their support.” workers. But the HSE says: “Consider improve the lives of deaf children in of a similar scheme already in place with For further information on the the use of hearing protection for both developing countries. UK charity Vision Aid Overseas (VAO). initiative, please visit www.sound- teachers and students to protect hear­ Richard Holmes, marketing director Since 2003 a quarter of a million glasses seekers.org.uk. ing during “loud” lessons.” of Specsavers says: ‘Sound Seekers have been collected and recycled by [email protected] 4 News hearing times  March 2009

New club for Features ex deaf and blind people set up A NEW support group for deaf and blind people has been set up in East Anglia.

The Uttlesford Deafblind Club – one S ky Office/JustinDowning/ R Photo: Box of 12 such clubs in Essex – held its first meeting earlier this month in Saffron Walden and will continue to meet once a month for local people with combined sight and hearing loss to come together in a relaxed social setting. Members can then share ad- vice and information, go on organised outings, have lunch and enjoy other activities. A spokesman for the club said: “Most of our club’s members are el- derly people where the onset of sight and hearing loss is age related. It can be an isolating and debilitating situa- tion. “We try to encourage and renew confidence in people to show them with a little bit of support a lot of things are possible. Sometimes it is a person’s only outlet.” Uttlesford Deafblind Club is also one of three organisations chosen by Waitrose’s Saffron Walden branch for its ‘local good causes’ scheme. The supermarket has donated Ricky Hatton hits £1,000 to be split between three causes as chosen by shoppers, who receive a token at the checkout which they can place in the box of the cause they’d most like to support. The more tokens a cause gets, the bigger the donation they receive. the road for RNID With just one volunteer helper Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton is joining fundraisers who pay a £40 registration Money raised by fundraisers pound- trained in deafblind awareness, the forces with the RNID to raise funds fee before the 17 July deadline and ing the 13-mile route from Newcastle small Uttlesford group is seeking new at this year’s Great North Run, and is raise a minimum of £325. to South Shields will help fund RNID’s members and volunteers, as well as calling on all aspiring athletes to come Hatton says: “You don’t need to be services, which provide essential funding. along and join him. fighting fit to sign up for RNID’s Great sup­port for deaf and hard of hearing If you are interested in volunteering The IBO World Light Welterweight North Run team, but you’ll be making people, and the its research into un- or would like more information please Champion is urging people to register a powerful contribution to changing derstanding the causes of hearing loss. contact volunteers liaison worker Sue for the Royal National Institute for the world for deaf and hard of hearing For more information about running Ryder on 07751 657 525 or email sue. Deaf People’s (RNID) guaranteed plac- people. for RNID, contact Caroline Jupe on [email protected] es at the world’s biggest half mara- “Get in the running now for a knock- telephone/textphone 0845 634 0687 thon, which takes place on Sunday 20 out time and help raise vital funds for (local rate) or email [email protected]. September. The places are available RNID’s research and services around uk or visit the website www.rnid.org. Troops to get on a first-come, first-served basis to the country.” uk/greatnorthrun. ear protectors Charity chalks up library milestone in Afghanistan A NATIONAL deafblind charity is cel- ebrating after a milestone was reached (Continued from page 1) The ear plugs in its specialist library. and the process of making individual- A total of 1,500 loans on deafblind- ly-moulded seals for each soldier are ness have been issued from the library said to cost £500 a set, but the MoD of Sense, the national deafblind char- anticipates a saving overall as fewer ity, which says it is delighted at the soldiers will be rendered unfit for com- service’s success. bat and/or require compensation for The lending milestone was reached hearing loss in the future. when Annie Hall, a speech and lan- Just over three per cent of troops guage therapist for Surrey Primary who fought in Afghanistan last year Care Trust, borrowed, ‘Learning were treated for hearing loss. through interaction’, which explores Brigadier Tim Radford, commander ways of using different forms of tech- 19 Brigade, said with a variety of nology to teach children with multisen- armoured vehicles, weapons and the sory impairments and other multiple ear plugs he was taking the “best disabilities. equipped brigade ever” to fight the Sense’s Ian Cloke library provides Taliban in what is seen as a pivotal a vital service to deafblind people, year for the Afghan campaign. families and carers, as well as profes- “These earplugs with ensure that sionals. Holding over 7,000 articles, The library was originally started by journals. But it just kept on growing! hearing becomes a problem of the DVDs, publications and books, it is a Gini Bartlett, mother of a deafblind It is remarkable to see it as the lead- past,” said Brig Radford. “They will source of specialist knowledge, infor- man whom the library is named after. ing specialist service it is today and I also probably save the Army a fair mation and resources on all aspects of Gini said: “It started off as just a am absolutely thrilled and proud it is amount of cash paid in compensation.” deafblindness. pile of photocopied articles and a few named after Ian.” march 2009  hearing times news 5

Sacrifice rewarded: Best Caring Disabled are Child Award winners Ellie Devereux- thrown a job Roberts and Lloyd Joiner receiving their lifeline by a awards on stage from GMTV web resource presenter Kate With the economic downturn in full Garraway and flow, disabled people are struggling Blue Peter host more than ever to compete in a floun- Gethin Jones dering job market. More than half of disabled people of working age do not have a job. Leonard Cheshire Disability has launched a new online resource at the British Library to tackle this issue Unsung heroes gain head-on. Suitability, a partnership between Leonard Cheshire Disability, the Emp- loyers’ Forum on Disability and Jobs gopublic, is an online job brokerage initiative for registered job-seekers, voice at award night employers and mentors. A national charity for sick children is PR guru Max Clifford, Strictly Come bravery of children and young people It is backed by a team of advis- launching its 5th annual awards after Dancing’s Iain Waite, and BBC News- coping with serious and complex ers who identify the skills, talent and a very successful ceremony last year. night host Emily Maitlis. illnesses and conditions – and also experience of disabled job-seekers and WellChild, the charity that supports Maitlis, who has played host at the honours the dedicated doctors, nurses, match them with employers. sick children and their families, have awards for the last two years, said: “I teachers, brothers and sisters who go Job-seekers can contact personal ad- kicked off 2009 with the announcement was really honoured to be a part of the the extra mile to make a difference to visers, connect with people with simi- of their fifth successful year of awards. event. I think [WellChild] do amaz- the lives of sick children. lar needs and goals, receive job alerts Last year, the star-studded ceremo- ing work, and I feel privileged to have If you’ve been inspired by the brav- by SMS and access the Suitability CV ny was attended by celebrities such been a tiny part of it for the night. If I ery of a child, or by the dedication of Builder. Employers can post vacancies as WellChild patron and Dragon’s Den can help out next year, don’t hesitate.” someone who cares for children, take online for free, recruit and hire staff, star Duncan Bannatyne, GMTV pre- The main attraction at the bash was time to nominate them for this year’s reach other companies through the senter Kate Garraway, DIY SOS front an appearance by the WellChild Royal awards by completing the online form Suitability Forum and sign up to virtual man Nick Knowles, The One Show’s Dr Patron Prince Harry, who chatted with or downloading the nomination form careers fairs. Sarah Jarvis, CelebAir host Angellica the winners and their families. to complete and post. Both can be n This story was submitted by our Bell, TV presenter Michael Underwood, The WellChild Awards celebrates the found at www.wellchild.org.uk. friends at The Deaf Blog.co.uk How to subscribe to Hearing Times

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Postcode...... Telephone...... Email address...... 6 News hearing times  March 2009 Sight & Sound name Hearing Exchange scheme Dogs their 2009 charity A hearing and optical centre has opens up the world nominated Hearing Dogs for Deaf Peo- ple as their chosen charity for 2009. A UK charity is launching a global Sight and Sound, based in Bognor exchange for young deaf people both Regis, will aim to raise as much money home and away to get a taste of what for the charity as possible throughout life is like in other countries. the year through various fundraising Deafway and the National Federation Deafway yne at activities and donations. for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People Penny Shrubb, hearing aid audiolo- are organising their first ever global

gist and general manager of Sight and exchange specifically for young deaf H David Photo: Sound, said: ‘Each year, the team at people aged 18 to 25 in the UK and Sight and Sound raise funds for chari- Nepal. ties which are complementary to the The aim is for the youngsters to services we provide. work together, develop and share “A key part of our work is assisting valuable skills and to make valuable patients with hearing difficulties, so contributions to local communities. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People nicely Deaf Global Xchange is a six-month fits the bill,” she added. volunteer exchange and will run from The charity, whose patron is HRH September. The Princess Royal, aims to offer Deafway have been working in greater independence, confidence and partnership with Deaf organisations security to deaf people by providing in Nepal for the last eight years, and dogs trained to alert them to everyday together they have contributed to the sounds. building of schools for deaf children, Gemma Walton from the char- as well as various community work ity said: “Hearing Dogs receives no with deaf children and adults in areas Let’s get physical: assembly at the Pokhara school supported by Deafway and NFDH government funding, so to ensure we of Nepal where support and provisions keep helping deaf people we rely en- are scarce. and three months in Kathmandu, the Expenses will all be paid for, includ- tirely on the generosity of individuals Volunteers will join a team of 18: capital city of Nepal. ing travel, food, accommodation, and companies like Sight and Sound.” half from the UK and half from Nepal. The volunteers will live in pairs in training and all other direct expenses. Sight and Sound proprietor Roger The team will live in the two host host homes with a local family while To find out if you are eligible, visit Tabberer, also a qualified hearing aid communities for six months, which creating and performing pieces of the website www.deafway.org.uk for audiologist says: “Hearing loss devel- includes three months in Preston, deaf/sign language theatre to local full details and a BSL version. ops slowly, gradually getting worse Lancashire – Deafway’s UK base – charities or community organisations. [email protected] as you get older, and deafness can be a very isolating and lonely disability. Obviously, there’s a great deal we can do to assist our patients, but a hear- ing dog provides the added benefit of Audiologist of 2009 is launched giving the recipient increased indepen- dence, greater confidence, companion- A competition to recognise excep- to succeed in their own profession.” tional stories: has your audiologist ship and a feeling of security.” tional service within audiology is being The competition is open to all hear- helped out in difficult or unusual cir- launched for its second year following ing care professionals, including hear- cumstances? Have they simply been a a great response in 2008. ing aid audiologists, audiologists and pillar of support for many years? Rayovac’s Audiologist of the Year dispensers, in the UK, France, Italy, Audiologists or dispensers must Audiologists’ 2009 rewards both professional’s and Sweden, Spain, Germany and Austria. be nominated by patients who have customers by offering cash prizes to From these six country winners, a had – or are having – a device fitted both. European hearing care professional between August 2004 and July 2009. care roadshow Last year’s winner Lisa Binns-Smith winner will be chosen by the panel, Entries must only be submitted by told Hearing Times: “Being nominated who will receive €5,000 (£4,500), a patients, who will be asked to state for the Audiologist of Year Awards is a trophy and framed certificate. Ad- how their hearing care professional is back in town fantastic feeling, knowing that some- ditionally, the overall winning hearing has helped them and why they believe one has really appreciated the pa- care professional will be invited to they should win the competition. By popular demand, the British tience and hard work you’ve put in. collect their prize at the 2009 EUHA Those nominating an audiologist also Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists “It also provides a sense of real congress in Nuremberg, taking place stand a chance of winning a cash prize (BSHAA) Customer Care Roadshow is achievement, knowing that you’ve from 21-23 October 2009. and electrical goods. back in April. helped to change someone’s life for Entrants must explain, in their own To nominate your audiologist, visit The Crowne Plaza Hotel at Man- the better – even perhaps, as was the words, why their audiologist deserves the Audiologist of the Year website at chester Airport will be the venue for case with my generous nomination – to win the coveted title. www.audiologistoftheyear.co.uk for two half-day workshops designed to to know you’ve helped someone The judges are looking for inspira- further details and an entry form. put audiologists’ commitment to the scheme and to customers into practice. Professionals can discuss how top class customer care can be a posi- tive business advantage in the cur- Disabled miss out on independent living rent tough economic climate and can Independent living for older and dis- ing expectations for independence for The report shows that assistive increase sales and help develop long- abled people is being jeopardised by disabled people – a group that makes technologies can make a huge differ- term relationships with clients, as well a lack of investment in technology to up 10% of the UK working population ence to a person’s lifestyle, employ- as lead to greater customer satisfac- make their lives easier, according to a and contributes a disposable income of ment prospects and leisure opportuni- tion. new report published in February. almost £50bn to the UK economy. ties. But the report also makes it clear The workshops will be taking place The research was published as a Backed by a start-up grant of that too many assistive technology on Wednesday 15 April and the So- new design and development centre £2.35m from the London Develop- products remain on the drawing board ciety has kept the price for the half to enable more products to facilitate ment Agency, ATcare works closely because of a lack of knowledge and day to £30 per delegate including tea independence – known as assistive with assistive technology users and commercial expertise. or coffee, and a resource kit to take technology – opened in Scarborough manufacturers, social and health The report highlights that of 362 as- away. Street, London, on 27 February. care professionals, industry and local sistive technology products researched For more information, and to down- Assistive technology, as well as communities to ensure that assistive between 2004 and 2007, less than one load an application form, please visit meeting the needs of an ageing technology products can be delivered quarter made it through to final prod- the website www.bshaa.com. population, can also meet the grow- to meet these needs. uct development. MARCh 2009  hearing times news 7

The Melissa Mostyn column Cycle champ donates Turning deaf conceptual jersey for deaf kids The winner of the Tour de France 2008 has donated his winning yellow art into commercial one jersey to an online auction in aid of First, I am going to do a plug. Bear deaf children. with me. On Saturday 25 April at Carlos Sastre, 33, from Spain, has 7pm, Salon is holding an exhibition pledged the jersey through online of signed limited-edition prints at cycling shop Wiggle, with all proceeds Nincomsoup in central London (www. going to the National Deaf Childrens’ salonart.org.uk). Society (NDCS). The printed images – shot by Miles The ten-day-long auction will start Thomas – depict works made by deaf on 15 April on eBay’s charity auction and hard-of-hearing visual artists site. All funds raised will go towards during Salon’s activities in 2006-08. a multi-sports day that NDCS will be Profits from the sales will be split running for deaf children and young between Salon for the benefit of the people in Walsall, West Midlands, on deaf and hard-of-hearing community 10 October. Top prize: Hawwa Ahmed (7), Imran Ahmed and the artists who created the origi- Mr Sastre said: “I am very proud to (11) with Carlos Sastre’s winner’s jersey nal pieces, except in cases where the help the National Deaf Children’s Soci- artist has specifically asked for all ety to raise awareness of the obstacles Deafness makes it harder for children profits to be reinvested in Salon. that deaf children face at school and in to communicate which can be very This is not aiming to be a con- their every day life. isolating. Many deaf children also find ceptual art exhibition, although we “Every deaf child has the right to be it difficult to participate in out-of-school would naturally respect buyers’ wish- Old Man’s Ear by Martin Glover, 2007. fully included and valued by society. activities because they are not set up es to learn of the theories behind In this sense, NDCS’s services for and to provide good communication.” the works featured. Instead, it is a it was hard to create an environment campaigns in aid of deaf children help NDCS was one of the first UK chari- selection of some of our best images in which the full impact of a concep- to make their voices heard.” ties to offer large scale overseas char- collected over the years, printed on tual 2D or 3D piece, questioning the Simon Kirby, NDCS corporate devel- ity treks and cycles and among the light-fast specialist art paper for the status quo from a deaf perspective, opment manager, told Hearing Times: most experienced. To find out more sheer pleasure of our buyers. could be realised. “We are pleased to have become a call the challenge events team on Why have we reached this point in That’s not to say that our activities charity partner for the auction of Sas- 0870 774 2444 or visit www.dosome- time? Deaf visual art has explored didn’t incur creativity in our artists; tre’s yellow jersey and are grateful to thingdifferent.org.uk. themes of communication they did. The result was Wiggle for supporting our sports day Wiggle.co.uk is the UK’s number 1 for over two decades, with some scrumptious pieces for deaf children and young people in online cycle shop. It started out as the intention to promote of deaf innovation. Among Walsall. Butlers Cycles, a small independent and celebrate deaf culture. those that took your breath “Access to sports activities is ex- bike shop in Portsmouth that had been However, although some away with their visual purity tremely important for deaf children. trading since 1920. truly witty works of art have were Martin Glover’s Old come out of that culture, it Man’s Ear, Matt Jenkins’ can still be a hit-and-miss Untitled (The City vs Na- affair. ture), and Colin Redwood’s The challenges lie not Natural Satellite. Printed in visiting art collections, Replica created by images of all three will now collecting images of inspi- Miles Thomas based be exhibited next month in rational paintings, or even on the original by editions of 250 along with meeting mainstream artists. Hamish Roberts several others. That conforms to the basic But let’s not harbour any principle of accessing visual art as a illusions here. Being part of a minor- spectator. ity group, the number of BSL-using Rather, it is developing the BSL deaf visual artists able to transcend equivalent of contemporary visual art the commercial/community art theory – which can be rather arcane mould is far outweighed by that of and deeply rooted in spoken lan- their mainstream peers. guage culture – that is difficult. You Commercial art is no bad thing need to know the rules before you though. An artist’s agent told me can break them. Experience indicates recently how hard it was to sell high- that the deaf visual artists most concept works of the sort endorsed likely to do that tend to be bilingual. by Tate Modern. Would a Yves Klein Moreover, the prevailing view – blue canvas be happy in an one- that art is what you make it – makes bedroom flat? Only if it was of the it even harder to pick creative gold huge penthouse variety! Then again, from the flotsam, ensuring that art- it’s been said that the only difference ists such as Stella Vine continue to between Stella Vine and other similar attract controversy. artists is marketing. Salon was formed in 2005 to ad- So, instead of aiming for the moon, dress exactly this issue. We may let’s work on developing an eye for have been too radical for some. aesthetics and/or visual witticisms While many of the deaf and hard-of- that buyers can treasure. And if you hearing visual artists who came to us do get short-listed for the Turner recognised their exclusion from the Prize? Kudos to you. mainstream contemporary art scene, Melissa Mostyn

Natural Satellite by Colin Redwood The City vs Nature by Matthew Jenkins 8 features hearing times  March 2009 March 2009  hearing times features 9 Tinnitus is Share your thoughts with sounding ok Tinnitus Awareness Week 2009 fellow tinnitus sufferers Coping with the debilitating condition Deafness Research UK website for fact- thanks to National Tinnitus Association hails week of education and awareness as ‘best yet’ of tinnitus could become that bit easier sheets: http://www.deafnessresearch. thanks to a new blog being set up by org.uk/?lid=3861 or read more per- leading charity Deafness Research UK. sonal stories from people who live with treatment National Tinnitus Week 2009 has dition, was more than happy to help The blog, to mark National Tinnitus tinnitus: http://www.deafnessresearch. A MAN who suffered from chronic ear proven to be a huge success with the BTA raise awareness of tinnitus Week (9-15 February), will initially in- org.uk/?lid=2858. infections for most of his life can now widespread coverage achieved before, through an interview for the Mail on volve three Deafness Research UK sup- Vivienne Michael, chief executive of hear clearly thanks to specialist ENT during and after the awareness week. Sunday and by writing to the Editors porters talking frankly about how they Deafness Research UK, said: “The tin- treatment. The British Tinnitus Association of several publications. cope with their tinnitus on a daily basis, nitus suffering community is one of the Paul Kelsall, 50, used to be one of have proactively sought to raise the The BTA feel that this year’s Nation- and sharing their experiences at the most poorly represented in the country. many thousands of people in the UK awareness of the debilitating condi- al Tinnitus Week has been a huge suc- Tinnitus for a Week blog: http://deaf- With around 5 million sufferers in the who had to endure the painful infec- tion, along with the help and support cess, not only raising the awareness nessresearchuk.blogspot.com/ UK, few conditions affect such a wide tions, known as otitis externa, which that the BTA can provide to sufferers, of the condition, but also encouraging Do you sometimes wonder how other cross section of the population, yet can cause dull hearing and itchiness. through a range of activity. sufferers to seek advice and support. people manage to cope with their tin- people are left to suffer in silence. Tin- However, Mr Kelsall has now enjoyed National coverage including a series So what is Tinnitus? It’s the sensa- nitus? Could you make small changes nitus sufferers have been telling us for clear hearing for the past 12 months, of interviews, discussions and headline tion of a sound in the ear or head not that would make your life more bear- some time that they would like a more all thanks to an expert diagnosis by his news was achieved on GMTV halfway produced by an external source. It can able? Could you get more help for your interactive way of keeping in touch ENT nurse. through the awareness week which consist of one or more noises, which tinnitus on the NHS? with tinnitus developments and sharing “Over the years otitis externa has resulted in countless enquiries to the can reach and remain at extremely From Saturday 7 February, you can their experiences with others. This first regularly affected either one or both BTA, raising the awareness of the con- high volume. At present neither drugs meet bloggers Kate, John and Gemma tinnitus blog for National Tinnitus Week of my ears causing hearing loss to the dition on a widespread level. nor surgery can cure tinnitus. who, contrary to the usual advice of will hopefully be repeated, and will be- point where sometimes I have been Representatives from the BTA also Unending loud noise in the head is trying not to dwell on the symptoms, come a permanent fixture if there is a stone deaf for a few days,” Mr Kelsall appeared on BBC TV Newcastle on often listed as the third worst of non- are focusing on their tinnitus in order demand for it. said. the 6.30pm programme ‘Look North’, lethal medical conditions, after severe to help others learn from their experi- “Supporting research into tinnitus has It is only in the last few months that where an in-depth feature discussed pain and total paralysis. Its common ences and cope with tinnitus better. been a priority for Deafness Research Mr Kelsall has seen a vast improvement statistics, medical facts and advise, effects include insomnia, anxiety, Readers who want further informa- UK since its inception in 1985. Since in the condition of his ears, having been along with interviews with the medical stress, and depression. It diminishes tion about tinnitus can call the Deaf- joining forces last year with the char- referred to an ENT nurse. profession and a tinnitus sufferer. much social intercourse and wrecks ness Research UK information line, ity Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR), “After one week of treatment when A number of Professional Advisors careers or ambitions and for children it free of charge, on 0808 808 2222. The Deafness Research UK can now make she had started to gently wash out the to the BTA were on hand during the can badly interfere with normal educa- helpline is open 9.00 am to 5.00 pm an even greater difference to the qual- infected debris, dry my ear canal and week to take part in radio interviews, tion. Monday to Friday (a message can be ity and quantity of tinnitus research be- place a dressing covered in antibiotics along with writing editorial features Celebrity sufferers include Bill Clin- left at other times) to answer specific ing carried out in the UK and radically into my ear, she was able to use a cam- and providing tips and advice on the ton, Cher, Barbra Streisand, William questions about tinnitus. If the Infor- improve the quality of service offered era to show me what it looked like. The condition for medical journals, con- Shatner, Jimmy Savile, Phil Collins, mation team cannot answer a ques- to tinnitus sufferers.” skin was very sore and red and there sumer magazines and both regional BBC Radio 2’s Johnnie Walker, Lord Rix tion directly, it will be referred to one National Tinnitus Week is run annual- was a build up of dry wax. and national newspapers. and ex-Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. of Deafness Research UK’s scientific or ly to highlight the need for greater pub- After two weeks, the nurse was able The BTA reached thousands of suf- The British Tinnitus Association rep- medical advisers. lic awareness of tinnitus and the urgent to further clean the ear, removing the ferers through ITV Signpost, who ran a resents every person in the UK with You can also email info@deafnessre- need to develop better treatments for remaining debris and renewing the story on their website each day which tinnitus and in this vital awareness search.org.uk or click the ‘ask a ques- tinnitus and ultimately to find a cure for dressing. After several weeks the ear included interviews with sufferers such week it wants to raise more awareness tion’ option at the top of our website: the condition. was totally free from infection. as Jack Straw and Russell Grant, high- about tinnitus in those who do not www.deafnessresearch.org.uk “This was the first time I have had lighting the fact that anyone can have have the condition but who may be at Success story: Medical staff at the Aintree Hospital in Liverpool help spread awareness of National Tinnitus Week 2009 (Photo: Courtesy of the BTA) Alternatively, link through to the [email protected] antibiotics placed directly in my ear and tinnitus. risk of getting it. so far I haven’t had another infection,” It didn’t stop there though. Peter For more information on tinnitus Association website at www.tinnitus. Mr Kelsall continues. Stringfellow, who suffers with the con- please visit the official British Tinnitus org.uk. Mr Kelsall, from Rotherham, feels ‘very grateful’ for the treatment he has received and would encourage anyone, who like him has suffered for years, to Tinnitus sufferer Peter Stringfellow speaks out seek a referral to a healthcare profes- sional specifically trained in ear care. Celebrity Peter Stringfellow, who – and just how vital the British Tin- sufferers in need of support to call the Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of has suffered from tinnitus since 1983, nitus Association’s (BTA) services are,” BTA. They can put you in contact with Deafness Research UK, said: “Thou- got on board with this year’s National Stringfellow wrote. local tinnitus groups and have a free sands of people have ear problems yet Tinnitus Week by writing to national “For the most part, it’s an invis- phone helpline on 0800 018 0527 or few people realise that many common newspapers and holding interviews ible condition. I hadn’t even heard of visit the website www.tinnitus.org.uk ear complaints can be avoided with with radio stations to highlight the it, until one day, I began to notice a It is possible to lead a full, active good ear hygiene and preventative plight of those who quite often suffer ringing in my ear. It’s something that’s and successful life with tinnitus – I measures. alone. never gone away. I wasn’t surprised know I do!” “Our new leaflet ‘ Trouble With Your “I wanted to write to highlight the my ears were damaged – I’d spent Ears?’ is designed to provide people plight of sufferers throughout the UK many happy years in bars and of with the information they need for course, my own nightclubs but it was Do you suffer from good ear health, and free copies of the a frightening discovery all the same. ringing in your leaflet are available from us directly The more I looked into it the more dis- if people are not able to get hold of a tressing it got and I was categorically ears? copy from their local GP or nurse. We told there was no known cure. don’t guarantee to solve everyone’s There are millions of tinnitus suffer- Share your experiences ear and hearing problems, but the leaf- ers like me in the UK. It can be a very with us by visiting the let goes a long way to helping people debilitating condition. I get many let- website at understand exactly what they can do ters throughout the year from people www.hearingtimes.co.uk themselves and explain what help is asking for advice, it’s surprising how or email us at available,” she adds. many in show business suffer from it. editorial@hearingtimes. Prompt treatment of ear infections or They desperately need help but, all co.uk wax build up can stop a minor problem too often, don’t know where to turn. becoming major, yet most people have That’s where National Tinnitus Week For more information on no idea what to do if they experience comes in. During February, the British tinnitus and any related pain, itchiness or discomfort in their Tinnitus Association (BTA) will be high- ears. lighting their work so sufferers know conditions please visit To get your copy of the leaflet ‘Trou- there’s a charity dedicated to them – the official British ble With Your Ears?’ please call 0808 one that provides information, advice Tinnitus Association 808 2222 or email info@deafnessre- and support and promotes the crucial website at search.org.uk. message that people can learn to live www.tinnitus.org.uk with tinnitus, as I have. [email protected] “You can lead an active life” - Stringfellow In the meantime I urge all tinnitus 10 theatre hearing times  March 2009

Political punch-up: Tamsin Greig (left) plays uptight Home Secretary Meredith Guest heatre, London heatre, T he National he National T Photo: Catherine Ashmore, courtesy of Ashmore, Catherine Photo:

A humourous take on stuffy world of politics points out that, just like MPs them- er, Otto Fallon (Stanley Townsend), er’s acting isn’t at fault, merely the Gethsemane selves, political children can also is exquisite. And when paired with clumsy role of the ex-teacher being fall victim to scandal. Suzette Guest Townsend’s nonchalant attitude to- doled out to her. National Theatre (Jessica Raine), daughter of home wards politics fireworks do fly. It’s Lori’s husband, Mike Drysdale Captioned by STAGETEXT secretary, Meredith Guest (Tamsin pure delight to see the rage seep- (Daniel Ryan), is nervous and pac- Greig), is caught smoking dope and ing out of Greig when her character es around on the spot as if he were By Chris Attewell-Hughes later exploited by the fourth estate discovers that Fallon is a governor some disobedient lapdog. Painful in a gangbang. Raine plays Suzette at her daughter’s school; appoint- as his presence is, his being hired DAVID Hare’s new show Gethse- as intelligent yet spoilt, a stereo- ed there to help cover up her little by Otto Fallon means Hare can set mane plays rather merrily with the type that sits rather well. mishap. up a nice spot of banter between tatters of the Labour party. Although Seeing Tamsin Greig play the At the other end of the spec- Otto and Lori. This means yet more its theme is slightly outdated, it still scandal-fearing home secretary is trum is the rather disappointing tedious moral touting, but the way brings to light the difficulties that delectable to the point where you Lori Drysdale (Nicola Walker) who’s in which they meet (as the way ev- a party like Labour has in raising can actually smell the success of been given the regrettable task of ery other character meets) is well- funds to keep it afloat. Gethsemane. Her repulsion for touting moral speeches; first to the thought and intriguing and is per- Rather more refreshingly, it also hair-dresser turned party fundrais- audience, then to the cast. Walk- haps Gethsemane’s saving grace.

ture from one era to another is he does it’s like a weight of ten- The Stone seamless thanks to bare stage. Be Near Me sion is lifted. Royal Court Theatre It’s simply a white cube with very Donmar Warehouse In theory, the notion of deal- few props. All actors remain on the ing with a homosexual priest Captioned by STAGETEXT stage and as the story progresses, Captioned by STAGETEXT who attempts to kiss an under- different actors engage with one age boy would mean exposing his By Chris Attewell-Hughes another while the others stand By Chris Attewell-Hughes reasoning for joining the church. motionless. However, the way in which this is The stone in question is one dealt with is fleeting and almost MARIUS Von Mayenburg’s The that is thrown at Heirdum’s fa- FEW words can describe Be Near unnoticeable. Father David’s one Stone is bar far the best play that ther, Woldgang (Jonathan Cullen). Me, but predictably delicious true love dies prompting a life of London has seen this year. As the Passers-by suspect the house’s seems appropriate. Like a favou- celibacy. The intention of tackling best ones are, the idea’s a simple occupants are still Jewish. Wolf- rite meal that you’ve seen before, his motives is there, but the act is one. gang keeps the stone and later but you enjoy it anyway. a bit second-rate. A house in Dresden, Germany is Heirdrum buries it in the garden Ian McDiarmid’s stage version The acting definitely serves to first occupied by a Jewish family. and then digs it back up again of the book by Andrew O’Hagen is enhance the atmosphere of a Mieze (Justine Mitchell) is fleeing when she moves back in for the the story of a sexually-repressed poverty stricken Scottish town. her home to escape Nazi tyranny last time. priest, in the fictional Scottish Perhaps most believable is the and selling the house for a de- The concept of such seamless town of Dalgarnock, who tries shrill and vulgar friend of second pressingly low sum to Witha (Linda scene change while maintaining a to kiss a male pupil. The idea’s teenager that Father David makes Bassett), an unwilling member of dramatic piece about Jewish dis- an old one, but with McDiarmid friends with, Lisa. Helen Mallon the Nazi party. Later Witha’s hus- crimination and losing one’s home taking the role of Father David brings to life the chav stereotype. band is shot dead and she and her would be a complicated one if it Anderton, it’s almost like hearing She even manages to find herself daughter, Heidrum (Helen Schle- weren’t for the stunning execu- it for the first time. With his oh-so- pregnant at the play’s finale. singer) move away. tion by the cast. Each member camp manner of being and spin- Ultimately, Be Near Me is nothing In their place Stefanie (Amanda is talented enough to make the dly frame, he brings to mind a Mr new, but the musty parish scenes Drew) moves in with her grandfa- evening a thoroughly enjoyable Bean-type persona. and credible acting skills means ther. When said grandfather dies, one. There’s even the odd dash of Teaching in a special needs class, it’s a night of drama and intrigue. Witha, Heidrum and Heidrum’s humour contributed by the lovely Father David becomes beguiled daughter, Hannah (Loo Brealey) Linda Bassett playing the dith- by a pair of 15-year-olds who he Next month - The Pitmen move in. It’s here where the story ery grandmother. Correcting her begins to spend a lot more time Painters and Mrs Affleck begins, rather than back with granddaughter’s behaviour, she with. It feels almost naive at the at The National Theatre, Mieze. And from here the story cries: “If she talks while she’s time to suspect that Father David and King Lear at Young chops and changes from time eating, her teeth will fall out.” might fall for the loud and coarse Vic period to time period. The depar- Priceless. Mark (Richard Madden), but when March 2009  hearing times theatRE 11

19:30 Allo Allo (Comedy) Plymouth The- Chelmsford BSL interpreted atre Royal Captioned in-house 25 April 2009 14:30 Gypsy (Crawley Operatic Society) 7 April 2009 (Opera) Hawth Theatre (Crawley) BSL ‘What’s on’ guide 19:30 Burnt by the Sun (Play) National interpreted Theatre (NT) (London) Captioned by 19:30 Witches of Eastwick (Musical) Wales STAGETEXT Millennium Centre (Cardiff) Captioned Provided by Signed Performance in Theatre 19:30 Mary Poppins (Musical) Wales Mil- in-house lennium Centre (Cardiff) BSL interpreted (SPIT) www.spit.co.uk 26 April 2009 9 April 2009 11:00 and 14.00 The War of the Buttons 17 March 2009 25 March 2009 14:30 Where There’s a Will (Play) English (Children’s) Hawth Theatre (Crawley) 19:00 The Marriage of Figaro - Mozart 10:30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog (Children’s) Touring Theatre at Oxford Playhouse Cap- Integrated performance (Opera) Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned Half Moon at The Broadway, Barking (Lon- tioned in-house in-house don) Integrated performance 19:30 Gates of Gold (Play) Library Theatre 27 April 2009 19:30 A Chorus of Disapproval (Play) Mer- 19:30 Invasion (Play) Soho Theatre (Lon- Manchester BSL interpreted 10:30 and 13.30 The War of the Buttons cury Theatre Colchester Captioned in-house don) Captioned in-house (Children’s) Hawth Theatre (Crawley) 19:45 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts 10 April 2009 Integrated performance 18 March 2009 Theatre Captioned in-house 20:00 Gates of Gold (Play) Library Theatre 19:45 Gethsemane (Play) Cambridge Arts 20:00 Salome (Opera) Birmingham Hip- Manchester Captioned in-house 28 April 2009 Theatre Captioned by STAGETEXT podrome Captioned in-house 20:00 The Witches Of Eastwick (Musical) 19:30 The Lonesome West (Play) Mercury 20:00 Sweeney Todd (Play) Queen’s 20:00 Sweeney Todd (Play) Queen’s The- Birmingham Hippodrome BSL interpreted Theatre Colchester Captioned in-house Theatre Hornchurch (London) Captioned atre Hornchurch (London) BSL in-house 11 April 2009 20:00 Salome - Richard Strauss (Opera) 26 March 2009 11:00 The BFG (Children’s) Edinburgh Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned in-house 14:00 Mary Poppins (Musical) Wales King’s Theatre BSL interpreted 20:00 Empty Bed Blues (Play) Lakeside Millennium Centre (Cardiff) Captioned 14:30 West Side Story (Musical) The Royal Arts Centre (Nottingham) BSL interpreted in-house Centre, Nottingham Captioned by STAG- Poetry Corner 20:00 Abnormally Funny People (Play) 19:15 The Elixir of Love (Opera) Birming- ETEXT Soho Theatre (London) Captioned in-house ham Hippodrome Captioned in-house 14:30 Pack of Lies (Play) New Theatre The Age of the Common Man 19:30 The Caretaker (Play) Octagon The- Cardiff BSL interpreted Reflections on a visit to the National 19 March 2009 atre Bolton BSL interpreted Portrait Gallery 10:30 and 13.30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog 19:30 The Attraction (Play) Chickenshed 15 April 2009 (Children’s) Half Moon at The Brindley, (London) BSL interpreted 19:30 England People Very Nice (Play) An exhibition devoted to that Runcorn Integrated performance 19:45 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts National Theatre (NT) (London) Captioned Most modern of phenomena – the 19:15 The Elixir of Love - Donizetti Theatre Captioned in-house by STAGETEXT News photograph, the moving image stilled (Opera) Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned A moment captured in time, in-house 27 March 2009 16 April 2009 A moment fixed in celluloid 19:30 Over There (Play) Royal Court The- 19:00 The Marriage of Figaro (Opera) Bir- 19:30 The Tempest (Play) The Royal Cen- Filmy substance atre (London) Captioned in-house mingham Hippodrome Captioned in-house tre, Nottingham yet a 19:30 A Chorus of Disapproval (Play) Mer- 19:30 Wuthering Heights (Play) Oldham 19:30 Dimetos (Play) Donmar Warehouse Permanent record cury Theatre Colchester BSL interpreted Coliseum Theatre BSL interpreted (London) BSL interpreted Of royals and reptiles 19:45 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts Of politicians and sporting heroes 20 March 2009 Theatre Captioned in-house 17 April 2009 Of movie stars and miners 10:30 and 13.30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog 17:00 The Witches of Eastwick (Play) The (Children’s) Half Moon at The Brindley, 28 March 2009 Royal Centre, Nottingham BSL interpreted The historical recordings reveal Runcorn, Integrated performance 14:30 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts 17:00 Scooby Doo and The Pirate Ghost The changes through the decades Chartered by enterprising types 19:00 The Marriage of Figaro - Mozart Theatre Captioned in-house (Family Show) Birmingham Hippodrome With box brownies (Opera) Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned 14:30 Oklahoma! (Musical) Edinburgh BSL interpreted and in-house King’s Theatre BSL interpreted 19:30 Waiting for Godot (Play) Edinburgh An eye for the main chance 19:15 The Elixir of Love (Opera) Birming- King’s Theatre BSL interpreted by 21 March 2009 ham Hippodrome Captioned in-house The carefree Duke on a fun fair ride 13:30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog (Children’s) 19:45 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts 18 April 2009 Transformed Half Moon at The Brindley, Runcorn Inte- Theatre (Cambridge) Captioned in-house 14:00 The BFG (Family Show) Plymouth by time and circumstance grated performance Theatre Royal Captioned in-house Into 14:00 Mary Poppins (Musical) Wales Mil- 1 April 2009 14:30 A Song at Twilight (Play) Cambridge the careworn monarch at war, lennium Centre (Cardiff) BSL interpreted 19:30 Where There’s a Will (Play) English Arts Theatre BSL interpreted Deepened and saddened 14:30 Patience (Gilbert and Sullivan) Touring Theatre at Liverpool Playhouse 18:00 The BFG (Family Show) Plymouth A face etched in worry (Opera) Edinburgh King’s Theatre BSL in- Captioned by STAGETEXT Theatre Royal BSL interpreted An image of suffragette, terpreted 19:30 Mary Poppins (Musical) Wales Not so much man-as-lady-handled 14:30 Lord of the Flies (Drama) New Wol- 2 April 2009 Millennium Centre (Cardiff) Captioned By burly policeman sey Theatre Ipswich Captioned in-house 13:00 The Attraction (Play) Chickenshed in-house With thoughts readable in grave face 15:00 Where There’s a Will (Play) English (London) BSL interpreted “ Now come along Madam, please cooper- Touring Theatre at The Lowry, Salford 19:30 For King and Country (Play) Edin- 20 April 2009 ate, there’s a good lady “ (Manchester) Captioned by STAGETEXT burgh King’s Theatre Captioned in-house 19:30 Dimetos (Play) Donmar Warehouse 19:15 The Elixir of Love - Donizetti 19:30 Look Back In Anger (Play) Lawrence (London) Captioned by STAGETEXT Other scenes (Opera) Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned Batey Theatre, Huddersfield Captioned Of early-century endeavour in-house in-house 21 April 2009 Bleriot and Johnson, 19:30 HMS Pinafore (Gilbert and Sulli- 19:30 Honeymoon Suite (Play) New Vic, Their flying machines Or pictures from Flanders field van) (Musical) Edinburgh King’s Theatre 3 April 2009 Newcastle under Lyme Captioned in-house Of visiting politicians inspecting trenches BSL interpreted 19:30 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 19:45 Tusk Tusk (Play) Royal Court The- In trench coats, all the while 19:30 Measure for Measure (Play) Plym- (Musical) Venue Cymru (Llandudno) atre (London) Captioned in-house Reflected glory of the slaughter outh Theatre Royal Captioned in-house BSL interpreted Complicit in their smile. 19:45 Panic (Play) The Corn Exchange, 19:30 West Side Story (Musical) The Royal 22 April 2009 Newbury BSL interpreted Centre, Nottingham BSL interpreted 19:30 Madame de Sade (Play) Donmar The years roll on 19:30 The Attraction (Play) Chickenshed Warehouse at Wyndham’s Theatre (London) The technology develops, 22 March 2009 (London) Captioned in-house Captioned by STAGETEXT Yet black and white 15:30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog (Children’s) 19:30 For King and Country (Play) Edin- Still tell their story Half Moon at Buxton Opera House Inte- burgh King’s Theatre BSL interpreted 23 April 2009 A blitzed backdrop to grated performance 19:30 The Lonesome West (Play) Mercury Frame a resolute war leader Crowds outside courtrooms, 4 April 2009 Theatre Colchester BSL interpreted Scandal, gossip and celebrity 24 March 2009 14:30 Brief Encounter (Play) Cambridge Heroism and histrionics 11:30 and 13.30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog Arts Theatre BSL interpreted 24 April 2009 Daily encounters recorded. (Children’s) Half Moon at Cramphorn The- 16:00 Macbeth (Play) Royal Exchange 17:30 Witches of Eastwick (Musical) Wales “ What’s the picture?” atre (Chelmsford) Integrated performance Theatre Manchester BSL interpreted Millennium Centre (Cardiff,) BSL inter- Asks the news photographer, 19:00 The Marriage of Figaro (Opera) Bir- 17:00 Buddy (Musical) New Theatre Car- preted “ The world of the common man “ mingham Hippodrome Captioned in-house diff BSL interpreted 19:30 The Fever (Play) Royal Court Theatre The historian replies 19:30 Rambert Dance Company (Dance) (London) Captioned in-house plus ca change? Birmingham Hippodrome BSL interpreted 19:45 ‘Allo ‘Allo (Comedy) Civic Theatre, WBR Jeremy March 2009  hearing times theatRE 11

19:30 Allo Allo (Comedy) Plymouth The- Chelmsford BSL interpreted atre Royal Captioned in-house 25 April 2009 14:30 Gypsy (Crawley Operatic Society) 7 April 2009 (Opera) Hawth Theatre (Crawley) BSL ‘What’s on’ guide 19:30 Burnt by the Sun (Play) National interpreted Theatre (NT) (London) Captioned by 19:30 Witches of Eastwick (Musical) Wales STAGETEXT Millennium Centre (Cardiff) Captioned Provided by Signed Performance in Theatre 19:30 Mary Poppins (Musical) Wales Mil- in-house lennium Centre (Cardiff) BSL interpreted (SPIT) www.spit.co.uk 26 April 2009 9 April 2009 11:00 and 14.00 The War of the Buttons 17 March 2009 25 March 2009 14:30 Where There’s a Will (Play) English (Children’s) Hawth Theatre (Crawley) 19:00 The Marriage of Figaro - Mozart 10:30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog (Children’s) Touring Theatre at Oxford Playhouse Cap- Integrated performance (Opera) Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned Half Moon at The Broadway, Barking (Lon- tioned in-house in-house don) Integrated performance 19:30 Gates of Gold (Play) Library Theatre 27 April 2009 19:30 A Chorus of Disapproval (Play) Mer- 19:30 Invasion (Play) Soho Theatre (Lon- Manchester BSL interpreted 10:30 and 13.30 The War of the Buttons cury Theatre Colchester Captioned in-house don) Captioned in-house (Children’s) Hawth Theatre (Crawley) 19:45 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts 10 April 2009 Integrated performance 18 March 2009 Theatre Captioned in-house 20:00 Gates of Gold (Play) Library Theatre 19:45 Gethsemane (Play) Cambridge Arts 20:00 Salome (Opera) Birmingham Hip- Manchester Captioned in-house 28 April 2009 Theatre Captioned by STAGETEXT podrome Captioned in-house 20:00 The Witches Of Eastwick (Musical) 19:30 The Lonesome West (Play) Mercury 20:00 Sweeney Todd (Play) Queen’s 20:00 Sweeney Todd (Play) Queen’s The- Birmingham Hippodrome BSL interpreted Theatre Colchester Captioned in-house Theatre Hornchurch (London) Captioned atre Hornchurch (London) BSL in-house 11 April 2009 20:00 Salome - Richard Strauss (Opera) 26 March 2009 11:00 The BFG (Children’s) Edinburgh Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned in-house 14:00 Mary Poppins (Musical) Wales King’s Theatre BSL interpreted 20:00 Empty Bed Blues (Play) Lakeside Millennium Centre (Cardiff) Captioned 14:30 West Side Story (Musical) The Royal Arts Centre (Nottingham) BSL interpreted in-house Centre, Nottingham Captioned by STAG- Poetry Corner 20:00 Abnormally Funny People (Play) 19:15 The Elixir of Love (Opera) Birming- ETEXT Soho Theatre (London) Captioned in-house ham Hippodrome Captioned in-house 14:30 Pack of Lies (Play) New Theatre The Age of the Common Man 19:30 The Caretaker (Play) Octagon The- Cardiff BSL interpreted Reflections on a visit to the National 19 March 2009 atre Bolton BSL interpreted Portrait Gallery 10:30 and 13.30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog 19:30 The Attraction (Play) Chickenshed 15 April 2009 (Children’s) Half Moon at The Brindley, (London) BSL interpreted 19:30 England People Very Nice (Play) An exhibition devoted to that Runcorn Integrated performance 19:45 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts National Theatre (NT) (London) Captioned Most modern of phenomena – the 19:15 The Elixir of Love - Donizetti Theatre Captioned in-house by STAGETEXT News photograph, the moving image stilled (Opera) Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned A moment captured in time, in-house 27 March 2009 16 April 2009 A moment fixed in celluloid 19:30 Over There (Play) Royal Court The- 19:00 The Marriage of Figaro (Opera) Bir- 19:30 The Tempest (Play) The Royal Cen- Filmy substance atre (London) Captioned in-house mingham Hippodrome Captioned in-house tre, Nottingham yet a 19:30 A Chorus of Disapproval (Play) Mer- 19:30 Wuthering Heights (Play) Oldham 19:30 Dimetos (Play) Donmar Warehouse Permanent record cury Theatre Colchester BSL interpreted Coliseum Theatre BSL interpreted (London) BSL interpreted Of royals and reptiles 19:45 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts Of politicians and sporting heroes 20 March 2009 Theatre Captioned in-house 17 April 2009 Of movie stars and miners 10:30 and 13.30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog 17:00 The Witches of Eastwick (Play) The (Children’s) Half Moon at The Brindley, 28 March 2009 Royal Centre, Nottingham BSL interpreted The historical recordings reveal Runcorn, Integrated performance 14:30 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts 17:00 Scooby Doo and The Pirate Ghost The changes through the decades Chartered by enterprising types 19:00 The Marriage of Figaro - Mozart Theatre Captioned in-house (Family Show) Birmingham Hippodrome With box brownies (Opera) Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned 14:30 Oklahoma! (Musical) Edinburgh BSL interpreted and in-house King’s Theatre BSL interpreted 19:30 Waiting for Godot (Play) Edinburgh An eye for the main chance 19:15 The Elixir of Love (Opera) Birming- King’s Theatre BSL interpreted by 21 March 2009 ham Hippodrome Captioned in-house The carefree Duke on a fun fair ride 13:30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog (Children’s) 19:45 Andromaque (Play) Cambridge Arts 18 April 2009 Transformed Half Moon at The Brindley, Runcorn Inte- Theatre (Cambridge) Captioned in-house 14:00 The BFG (Family Show) Plymouth by time and circumstance grated performance Theatre Royal Captioned in-house Into 14:00 Mary Poppins (Musical) Wales Mil- 1 April 2009 14:30 A Song at Twilight (Play) Cambridge the careworn monarch at war, lennium Centre (Cardiff) BSL interpreted 19:30 Where There’s a Will (Play) English Arts Theatre BSL interpreted Deepened and saddened 14:30 Patience (Gilbert and Sullivan) Touring Theatre at Liverpool Playhouse 18:00 The BFG (Family Show) Plymouth A face etched in worry (Opera) Edinburgh King’s Theatre BSL in- Captioned by STAGETEXT Theatre Royal BSL interpreted An image of suffragette, terpreted 19:30 Mary Poppins (Musical) Wales Not so much man-as-lady-handled 14:30 Lord of the Flies (Drama) New Wol- 2 April 2009 Millennium Centre (Cardiff) Captioned By burly policeman sey Theatre Ipswich Captioned in-house 13:00 The Attraction (Play) Chickenshed in-house With thoughts readable in grave face 15:00 Where There’s a Will (Play) English (London) BSL interpreted “ Now come along Madam, please cooper- Touring Theatre at The Lowry, Salford 19:30 For King and Country (Play) Edin- 20 April 2009 ate, there’s a good lady “ (Manchester) Captioned by STAGETEXT burgh King’s Theatre Captioned in-house 19:30 Dimetos (Play) Donmar Warehouse 19:15 The Elixir of Love - Donizetti 19:30 Look Back In Anger (Play) Lawrence (London) Captioned by STAGETEXT Other scenes (Opera) Cymru (Llandudno) Captioned Batey Theatre, Huddersfield Captioned Of early-century endeavour in-house in-house 21 April 2009 Bleriot and Johnson, 19:30 HMS Pinafore (Gilbert and Sulli- 19:30 Honeymoon Suite (Play) New Vic, Their flying machines Or pictures from Flanders field van) (Musical) Edinburgh King’s Theatre 3 April 2009 Newcastle under Lyme Captioned in-house Of visiting politicians inspecting trenches BSL interpreted 19:30 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 19:45 Tusk Tusk (Play) Royal Court The- In trench coats, all the while 19:30 Measure for Measure (Play) Plym- (Musical) Venue Cymru (Llandudno) atre (London) Captioned in-house Reflected glory of the slaughter outh Theatre Royal Captioned in-house BSL interpreted Complicit in their smile. 19:45 Panic (Play) The Corn Exchange, 19:30 West Side Story (Musical) The Royal 22 April 2009 Newbury BSL interpreted Centre, Nottingham BSL interpreted 19:30 Madame de Sade (Play) Donmar The years roll on 19:30 The Attraction (Play) Chickenshed Warehouse at Wyndham’s Theatre (London) The technology develops, 22 March 2009 (London) Captioned in-house Captioned by STAGETEXT Yet black and white 15:30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog (Children’s) 19:30 For King and Country (Play) Edin- Still tell their story Half Moon at Buxton Opera House Inte- burgh King’s Theatre BSL interpreted 23 April 2009 A blitzed backdrop to grated performance 19:30 The Lonesome West (Play) Mercury Frame a resolute war leader Crowds outside courtrooms, 4 April 2009 Theatre Colchester BSL interpreted Scandal, gossip and celebrity 24 March 2009 14:30 Brief Encounter (Play) Cambridge Heroism and histrionics 11:30 and 13.30 Baa Moo Yellow Dog Arts Theatre BSL interpreted 24 April 2009 Daily encounters recorded. (Children’s) Half Moon at Cramphorn The- 16:00 Macbeth (Play) Royal Exchange 17:30 Witches of Eastwick (Musical) Wales “ What’s the picture?” atre (Chelmsford) Integrated performance Theatre Manchester BSL interpreted Millennium Centre (Cardiff,) BSL inter- Asks the news photographer, 19:00 The Marriage of Figaro (Opera) Bir- 17:00 Buddy (Musical) New Theatre Car- preted “ The world of the common man “ mingham Hippodrome Captioned in-house diff BSL interpreted 19:30 The Fever (Play) Royal Court Theatre The historian replies 19:30 Rambert Dance Company (Dance) (London) Captioned in-house plus ça change? Birmingham Hippodrome BSL interpreted 19:45 ‘Allo ‘Allo (Comedy) Civic Theatre, WBR Jeremy 12 games hearing times  MARCH 2009

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The aim of these fun puzzles is to fill in the missing boxes so that each vertical and horizontal column contains the numbers 1 to 9. Furthermore, each sub-grid of nine boxes must also contain the numbers 1 to 9. Sudoku is now recogn- Sudoku ised by experts to be the perfect mental workout to keep the mind fit and active and stave off the effects of age-related degeneration. Try the hard puzzle for advanced players, or the easy puzzle if you are a beginner.

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Easy MARCH 2009  hearing times people 13

“Hearing Dogs changed Cinders’ life when they took her on from the puppy farm, and Cinders has, in turn, changed my Hearing Dog life”. Ian Finney of the Month Fairytale happy ending for former rescue dog Cinders

A former rescue dog that now works as a hearing dog for her profoundly Embarrassment deaf owner in Ellon in Aberdeenshire has been named Hearing Dog of the Eventually Ian did move into his own Month by the charity that trained her. home, but found his sleep was suffering Like the pantomime character after due to his concern at trusting his life to whom she is named, Cinders had a these products. As a telephone engi- tough start to life. Her mum was res- neer on a callout rota, he needed to be cued from a puppy farm along with her available day and night to respond to eight young puppies, and Hearing Dogs emergencies and also be able to attend for Deaf People selected all of them for courses away from home. His fear of training. Unfortunately, only Cinders not hearing a fire alarm and having to on his life was evident from the out- enjoys visits to farms and forests: she and her sister Beauty went on to make rely on assistance from hotel staff was set. “Within days of being at home I is an outdoor girl at heart. Before we the grade as hearing dogs, and Cinders realised. had packed up my old gadgets and put were paired up I used to work through was placed with Ian Finney in Decem- He explains: “I had earlier told the them away. I found almost immediate- my lunch break, but now I am finding ber 2007. receptionist I was deaf, and that night ly I had a lot more energy in the morn- lots of parks and forests to give Cinders Ian has been deaf since he was three. their fire alarm had a false trigger and I ings as I was sleeping so much better, a run and it helps improve my health by “During my childhood years I relied on was greeted by one of their staff in my and since we have been home together allowing me to relax away from work my faithful mother to wake me up in room. Imagine both the shock waking I have not missed the alarm clock once. for a while. the morning,” he says, “or alert me if up with someone you don’t know peer- First thing every morning I am greeted “Hearing Dogs changed Cinders’ life I had to respond to various sounds in ing over you, and the embarrassment with a paw on the bed followed by a when they took her on from the puppy the daytime. I was quite shy in making of not being able to look after yourself. hug. I also no longer have the irritation farm, and Cinders has, in turn, changed conversation with those I didn’t know More and more often my alarm clock let caused by missing doorbells or phone my life. Every morning the friendly in case I didn’t hear what they said. As me down, and I started to think about calls. Cinders has been so reliable, in paw that reaches out to me not only I grew older my thoughts turned to be- the numerous times I had missed visi- fact, that I now often take out my hear- says ‘good morning’ but reminds me ing independent, but although I coped tors at the door and callers ringing me. ing aids when home alone.” of what the Charity does for deaf peo- well with hearing aids during the day At times like this it is easy to sink into ple and what Cinders does for me. It I was particularly scared of fire or an depression.” Improved health moves me beyond words can describe; intruder at night. I found that although In 2005 Ian took the decision to ap- in fact to the extent I have tears in my technical aids were available, at some ply for a hearing dog and in Decem- Cinders has also had a beneficial ef- eyes. Thank you Cinders, and thank point batteries would fail or mains fail- ber 2007 Cinders was placed with him. fect on Ian’s work. “Cinders loves be- you Hearing Dogs.” ures would prevent them working.” The impact that Cinders was to have ing in the van with me and particularly ‘How my life has been transformed by a C.I’ By Miss Universe Great Britain hopeful fire alarms, etc. It’s also helped me to improve my speech more than the Siobhan Brindley-Lewis hearing aid did. Lots of people ask me questions My name is Siobhan Brindley-Lewis. I about my cochlear implant and how it am 22 years old and became deaf aged improves my hearing. I advise them three of meningitis. how much it has helped me, my hear- At the age of five I had my first hear- ing and my speech. ing aid and went to Percy Shurmer I thank my family and the doctors at Primary School in Balsall Heath where the Children Hospital for the cochlear things went well. But at the age of six, implant. I’ve had my CI for 17 years. I found that my hearing aid didn’t work It’s important to me to hear and com- for me anymore and I couldn’t hear municate better in my life, and with- anything. out it my hearing and speech wouldn’t The doctors at the children’s hospital have improved. in Birmingham told my family about co- chlear implants in Nottingham Hospital ‘Living my dreams’ and they decided to go for it. We went to the hospital and met ENT surgeon However, after suffering from menin- Prof Gerry O’Donoghue, and he per- gitis, I have never let my hearing im- formed the operation when I was seven pairment prevent me from reaching my – it went really well. goal and living my dreams. After eight weeks’ recovery from the I am a qualified beauty therapist and operation, we went back to Nottingham was even awarded “Special Recogni- to try the cochlear implant on and have tion” for progress into Higher Educa- it switched on. It was loud and I could tion in 2005. In 2007 I graduated with hear very clearly. I can hear much bet- a degree in Beauty and Spa Service at Sitting pretty: Siobhan hopes to succeed in the Miss Universe competition ter than with a hearing aid. The first the University of Derby/Buxton, where noise I heard was water running and I had the opportunity to visit the Czech from doing anything and have a very els, please vote for her by calling my mum calling me. Republic, Malta and Cheltenham Chap- positive ‘can do’ attitude. I pray to God 0901 6561 55510. For voting de- Hazel Lloyd, a special speech thera- el Spa. to help me realise my dreams as life’s tails, please visit the Miss Universe pist, stayed with me throughout my I also won Miss Deaf UK “Best Evening not easy. Even when I have experienced GB www.missuniversegb.co.uk time at Shenley Court School and Sixth Gown 2008” and modelled for Cancer disappointments, I have kept focus on Form, and I had my ears tested every Research. I am now a contestant for my goal and won through. Supplied by our good friends at six months in Nottingham up to the age Miss Universe after securing a place as The Deaf Blog.co.uk of 16, now just once a year. one of the 40 finalists out of 500 en- To help Siobhan reach the Miss I am very happy to have a cochlear trants. Universe final on the 3 May and win [email protected] implant because I can hear everything I try not to let my disability stop me a modelling contact with Vibe Mod- better, e.g. music, TV, bird song, car, 14 Products hearing times  march 2009

We try out the latest technology on the market so you know what to rely on. If you would like us to review a product, email [email protected]

carefully adjust the delay until the sound with many features. For the technically By HT REVIEWER: and picture are perfectly synchronised. minded, it will provide an enjoyable chal- DAZ Fiddly at first, but you only have to do it lenge to extract the best results. This is also once for this brilliant feature. The loop a good solution if you suffer from only a measures 400mm by 400mm, providing minor hearing impairment. For those of Fill this space PRODUCT a uniform listening area for one seat. In us with slightly less time on our hands with your advert! UniVox TV Loop system DLS-30TV an adjacent seat, the loop field reduces by however, a simpler product might be more 80% (considerably quieter). The amplifier helpful. draws 12W from your electric supply, costing a mere 25p per week, even if you You can purchase either of these prod- If you are interested in ucts online at www.gordonmorris.co.uk, don’t switch it off at night. or you can email info@gordonmorris. advertising with Hearing co.uk. Alternatively, you can call 01458 OVERALL ASSESSMENT 272121 to purchase over the phone. An excellent, simple, high quality device Times, or having your which is easy and discreet to install, with no Why not try one of these products out for product reviewed on this adverse effects on the TV or its wiring. free before you buy? As a Hearing Times Good product. reader you can enjoy the benefits of a page, please email our free 10-day trial, and as an individual MANUFACTURED BY user you can receive a VAT discount on PRODUCT Advertising Consultant UniVox your chosen product when you decide to Contego purchase from Gordon Morris. The TV volume control can be a constant Guy Peppiatt on battle. With more than one person in MANUFACTURED BY Upcoming Reviews Comfort Audio [email protected]. the room, hearing quality can be low, We will be reviewing a number of assistive and disagreements high! The DLS- listening devices in 2009. If you have any 30 is a personal loop system designed products you would like reviewed or have to enhance the listener’s viewing by your own review you would like to send You can also advertise on providing perfect TV sound in your us please send to Daz at Hearing Times on favourite chair, at a volume you can [email protected] or directly to Daz our website hear. It’s simple to install, only needing a at Hearing Times Limited, The Lansbury SCART plug connected to the TV, Estate, 102 Lower Guildford Road, Woking, www.hearingtimes.co.uk! and a mains plug for power. The 10m Surrey GU21 2EP wire runs discreetly around the room, and the flat pad fits underneath your favoured chair. That really is all you [email protected] have to do. The 10W amplifier delivers The Contego is an innovative assistive up to 1A RMS into a 10-turn loop and listening device which offers customers an approx 4.4T (0.44Gauss) magnetic clear amplification of surrounding sounds. field is developed above the centre of A unique advantage of the system is that the loop. This system is ideally suited the TV or radio can be connected to the to a single user, since the loop coverage transmitter, allowing the listener to still is focused well for a single chair. It is hear what’s going on around them from the possible for two or three people sitting microphone in the receiver. This low power close to the loop to hear, but the volume (around 1mW) digital 864MHz radio micro- is only constant above the loop. However, phone system provides a reliable 10-20m the option is available to install a loop range indoors and up to 100m outdoors. around the sofa, for which UniVox offer The audio output is a modest 100mW, and a “Sofa loop” accessory. The frustrating, the frequency response from 80Hz to 4KHz yet recurring problem of no vacant gives a warm, soft tone, which is clear SCART sockets left on the TV, is but not as bright as some analogue coun- helpfully overcome by the extra socket terparts. The supplied neck loop is very UniVox provide on the loop amplifier. If efficient, providing the equivalent of around you have to unplug your DVD player to a 1A loop current. This is plenty for a high make room for the DLS-30 therefore, you quality signal in any telecoil-equipped hear- ing instrument. can simply plug the DVD player into the loop amplifier, which passes the DVD signal on to the TV. Recommended Retail Price is £124 plus VAT Recommended Retail Price is REVIEW £425 plus VAT The first impression of using this product however, is one of complexity and lacking REVIEW intuitive simplicity. The wide fabric neck Most impressive about this product was loop plugs into and clips on to the receiver, the frequency response (bass and treble) which whilst providing a loud, undistorted extending from 150Hz to 9+KHz, which sound, does not boast the advantage of is exceptional for a loop system. This aesthetic attractiveness. The inelegant as- accounts for the clear uncoloured sound. sembly proves awkward, and any attempt The loop signal is louder than some, to then view the small screen is hindered but a simple volume wheel on the by the shortness of the strap. The direc- loop amplifier allows an easy method tional microphones work well, but suffer of adjustment. I found that 5 (out of 10) from handling noise. Contego experiences made a comfortable compromise with a some interference from the mobile phone, clear undistorted sound. (Glasses may and being digital it stops working without be handy, as the numbers on the volume warning. It offers many modes of operation wheel are small!) Also impressive is the with uni and omni directional microphones clever “TV-sync” adjustment. More and in both the transmitter and receiver. In all more digital TV’s and decoders these modes the distortion measures less than 5%, days produce their audio out of sync with some down to 2%. the displayed TV picture, due to delays OVERALL ASSESSMENT in digital signal processing. DLS-30 has Overall, this is a comprehensive product a little screwdriver slot allowing you to march 2009  hearing times sport 15 Entries are

invited for ourtesy of Brian Kokoruwe hoto: C hoto: deaf tennis P tournament THE TENNIS Foundation and the Brit- ish Deaf Tennis Association are now inviting entries for the 2009 National Deaf Tennis Championships, which take place at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton, London, from 2-4 May. This will be the first National Deaf Tennis Championships and the first National Championships organised by The Tennis Foundation to be held at the National Tennis Centre in Roe- hampton, the home of British tennis. The National Championships will give GB National Deaf Tennis Squad members the chance of three days of intense competition as they continue their preparations for the Taiwan Deaflympics. As well as ‘open’ divisions singles Sporting hopefuls: the UK deaf athletics team pictured in August last year at the World Deaf Athletics Championships in Izmir, Turkey and doubles events for the country’s leading players, the National Cham- pionships also includes ‘B’ division events for younger new and up-and- coming players. For further details or an entry form, please contact tournament director Deaflympics team Becky Drew at The Tennis Foundation. Email: Becky.Drew@tennisfounda- tion.org.uk. Phone: 020 8487 7119 or visit: www.tennisfoundation.org.uk/ disabilitytennis/deaftennis chosen for Taiwan By Brian Kokoruwe most of the athletes will receive high- The Deaflympics team squad calibre training in Sheffield with those Deaf soccer The athletics team who will be doing hammer or endurance, while Men representing Great Britain at the 2009 long distance events will be receiving John Ruddy (100m and 200m) Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan, has their training in Hull. Nelson Bolumbu (100m and 200m) kids take been announced. DUKA Deaflympics athletes will join Timothy Stones (marathon) DUKA has picked its team for the their relevant event group, and each James Schofield (high jump and long 2009 Deaflympics using a combina- lead-event coach will have their own jump or triple jump) tion of selection criteria, a qualification appropriate session plan organised. on national standard statistically developed using The training sessions are not a timeta- Women the results from the 2005 Deaflym- bled ‘to suit all situations’ but individ- Lauren Peffers (400m and 800m) pics, the results from the most recent ual session are developed to suit the Joanne Davison (hammer and youth stars European and World Championships, various disciplines. However, during discus) Two deaf youth teams from Man- European and World Records as well the day, each event group will have a Beth Sewell (hammer and discus) chester took part in the Deaf Friendly as selection panel discretion. strength and conditioning workshop Bethan Lishman (hammer and Football Club National Youth Football The team are being trained along- lasting for about one hour. Shot, jav- discus) Tournament on 15 February at the side the very top-ranked hearing elin and discus coaches will be present Serena Blackburn (marathon) Powerleague Derby Soccerdome at performers in the UK Power of Ten as well as sign language interpreters. Colette Doran (javelin) Pride Park. ranking in the superb English Insti- From everyone at Hearing Times, Candy Hawkins (5,000m and The under-16s teams from Man- tute of Sport (EIS) indoor facilities in we offer our best wishes to all of the 3,000m) chester United FC and Manchester City Sheffield. Thanks to England Athletics, athletes competing in the games. FC joined 24 other deaf youth football teams from across England to take on the exciting competition organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). European 400m record for Lauren Each team took part in a number of A young runner who scooped a gold For her superb performance, she took five-a-side matches throughout the in the Deaflympics in 2005 is celebrat- home the bronze and a new Euro- day. The team from Manchester United ing after making the leap to 400m in pean Deaf Indoor 400m record. This beat Manchester City 3-1 in the group great style. improved on the 58.01s record previ- stage, but both teams lost in the Lauren Peffers, the 2005 Melbourne ously held by Belarus’ Alena Tsiarent- quarter finals. Teams from Everton FC, 800m gold medallist, is enjoying her syeva. Luton and Derby were the proud win- new event so much, she is improving ‘I am very pleased to start the 2009 ners of each age category. rapidly. season with a new European Record. The tournament was the flagship Team Edinburgh athlete Peffers de- I hope that I can further improve on event of the NDCS Deaf Friendly Foot- cided to ‘trial’ the 400m distance last it later, but the important thing is to ball Club project, a ground-breaking year and has taken to it like duck to remain injury free, enjoy training, project designed to make football water. competitions and not to peak too early more accessible to all deaf children. Peffers’ latest competition was at the in the season,’ said a delighted Pef- For more information on how your Scottish Closed Senior Championships. fers, a member of the Dunbar Running club can get involved, email football@ Despite a nervy start, Peffers ran a Club. ndcs.org.uk or phone 0121 234 9820. magnificent 57.44 seconds to improve ‘My aim is the 2009 Deaflympics,’ Lauren Peffers after winning her Deaflym- Website: www.ndcs.org.uk/football. on her previous 58.86 personal best. she added. pics 800m crown in Melbourne in 2005 16 Sport hearing times  march 2009 GB women’s

soccer chief Courtesy of NDCS Photo: steps down

The chairman of the GB Deaf Women’s Foot­ball team has announced he will be stepping down from the post only months before the team sets off for the Deaflympics in Taiwan. Dominic Everett, who has chaired the team since 2006, announced his decision at a training weekend in Feb­ ruary. He will leave the team in April. In a statement, the women’s team said: ‘After two years’ reign, it was felt that a new chairperson needed to be appointed to guide GBDWF into a new direction with strength. ‘As both the coaching and manage­ ment teams are now in place through a strenuous recruitment drive, the new chairperson will be able to continue sup­ p­orting and driving them into the new United approach: Darren Fletcher (back row, black tracksuit) and goalkeeper Ben Foster (red tracksuit) at the special training session direction, focusing on the Deaflympic Games 2009 and beyond.’ Everett said: ‘Regrettably, I will not be here to watch how GBDWF is doing in the Deaflympic Games, but as a keen squash supporter holding the role of the World Deaf Squash Incorporated ManU players back technical director, it would be extremely difficult to hold both roles. Martin Willis from Woking has been approached for the position and will be installed as a new chairman from April. deaf-friendly football Young deaf football players from bunch and some of them look like The NDCS Deaf Friendly Football across the North-west had the chance to they could be destined for big things! Club project is revolutionising the sport Deaf sports play with two Manchester United first- It was interesting to see how the kids for deaf children and young people team players in February, when NDCS use sign language when they play and by opening up football opportunities and the Manchester United Foundation I definitely learnt a few things – I even to deaf children across the UK. The development held a special training session at the learnt how to sign my name.’ project is being funded with the help of club’s first-team training ground in The young people there attend a £211,608 grant from the UK’s largest Carrington. regular football sessions as part of sports charity, the Football Foundation, officer named Star players Darren Fletcher and Ben the foundation’s disability programme, which invests money from its partners A new Deaf Sport Development Officer Foster played mini games and goal in partnership with the NDCS Deaf – the Premier League, The Football has been appointed for the Federation practice with the young deaf people Friendly Football Project. The aim of the Association, and the Government – of Disability Sports Organisations aged 8 to 18 from schools across the sessions is to encourage deaf youngsters into good causes. Additional funding (FDSO). North-west. The visit was part of the into football by making facilities and has come from Phonak UK and Sean Curran, who has been deaf since Premier League ‘Creating Chances’ programmes more accessible. Sportsmatch. birth and uses British Sign Language programme. Last year, Manchester United manager For more information on how your as his first language, was appointed Darren Fletcher explained: ‘Ben and Sir Alex Ferguson signed a pledge to club can get involved, please contact to the role which covers the whole of I had a good kick around with the commit to being a deaf-friendly club on the NDCS football development officer Yorkshire, Humberside and the north- kids today – they were a really good behalf of Man Utd and the foundation. by email at [email protected]. east of Lincolnshire. Sean’s new role requires him to support the development of a variety of opportunities in sport and recreation for deaf people while working in conjunction Deaf sprinter wins bronze in Scottish games with County Sports Partnerships, Com­ An up-and-coming track and field medal in the 200m at the Scottish in the final. To qualify for the final, John munity Sports Networks, local authority star has taken an impressive bronze Schools Athletics Championship. It is had to win his semi or be one of three sport development officers, specialist medal at a recent indoor competition. possible that Ruddy was the only deaf fastest runners-up, but as it turned out schools, colleges and universities as John Ruddy, 19, has been developing athlete competing, which makes his John was 2nd with a time of 23.08s, an well as with deaf clubs and associations and going from strength to strength achievement even more remarkable. indoor PB, and only 0.01s slower than to support the development plan and since he burst onto the international The day unfolded rapidly when he the winner of the first semi-final. the implementation of assoc­iated and arena two years ago at the European won his 60m heat in a time of 7.43s, ‘We knew then that a medal was supporting programmes of work. Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. this was a very close heat with 0.1s possible,’ explained Ruddy. Sean, who will be based at the FDSO As part of his preparation for the between 1st and 5th place, which went Although Ruddy got a poor start in the office in Ossett, near Wakefield, told 2009 Deaflympics, Ruddy is following to a photo finish to determine the final final itself, he still ran a great race to Hearing Times he is keen to get in touch a very tough training and competition positions. take the bronze medal in a magnificent with anyone with an interest in sport. schedules, so tough that he simply John’s time the first time he has gone time of 23.18s, with the winning time ‘My main aim is to work with anyone ‘looks forward to having a rest in front under 7.5 seconds. ‘It was so good to being 22.7s and 2nd place was 23.09s. who is deaf or hard of hearing that of the television every evening’ rather get that “monkey” off his back, as I A week after his brilliant bronze medal have an interest in any type of sport than mess around with his mates. know it was annoying him for the past in the Scottish Schools Championships, activities and athletics or are involved At this early stage of the season, year or so,’ said his father, John Snr. Ruddy participated in the Scottish in sport activities through voluntary Ruddy has competed in several indoor Unfortunately, in the 60m semi- Under-20 Championships. He repeated work,’ he said. competitions. On 5 February, he had final, John lost it at the start, when he his superb schools performance and For more information, please contact a good day at Kelvin Hall Athletics appeared to ‘freeze’ which is not like brought home another bronze medal Sean Curran by email at scurran@fdso. Stadium in Glasgow where he achieved him. He came on strong at the end of in the 200m, where he ran a solid co.uk, or by SMS on 07861996692. two personal bests and a superb bronze the race, but sadly missed out on a place 23.26s.

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