Our events.

Living & Ageing Well with Diabetes: Uncovering the Links with Hearing Loss
Thursday 14th March 2024

Diabetes and hearing loss are big health challenges. They affect the lives of millions of people in England and many millions around the world. The evidence is that older people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss. We delved into the latest research findings and discussed the implications for living and ageing well. This event was co-organised by the Centre for Research on Ageing and the All EARS Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group. The event had inspiring talks from cutting-edge researchers in the field and the National Charity Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). The event gave members of the public the chance to connect with others, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore potential collaborations. We had an interactive session where we shared our insights on why understanding the connection between diabetes and hearing loss is crucial for individuals and their families. This event was co-organised by the Centre for Research on Ageing and the All EARS Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) group at the University of Southampton and was registered with the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of the international series of activities for World Hearing Day 2024, themed ‘Changing Mindsets.’

Here is a link for the recording of the event which includes a presentation from Dr Dalia Tsimpida about Data pitfalls and informed solutions for people with diabetes and undetected hearing. Followed by a presentation by Professor Tracey Newman highlighting the biological links between hearing loss and diabetes. Finally, Dr Kate Hough leading a discussion session around four key areas to consider when thinking about a project that links hearing loss and diabetes.

Listening for better hearing; an interactive event discussing lifelong hearing and brain health
Thursday 26th October 2023

In October 2023, we held a SOLD OUT event called Listening for better hearing; an interactive event discussing lifelong hearing and brain health. The event was part of ESRC Festival of Social Science. The event took place on Thursday 26th October, 17:45 – 19:45, at University of Southampton, Building 100, Room 4013.

•What was on offer: An information evening to explore exhibits about hearing, looking after our brain and cochlear implants. There will be a presentation with a guest speaker followed by an interactive panel discussion led by questions from the audience.

At the exhibits you will discover more about the world of hearing, cochlear implants and brain health. You will be able to explore everyday noises, find out what sounds might be damaging our ears and the things we can do to protect, preserve, and support our hearing health as we move through life. You will also be able to find out more about local community groups and services related to hearing and brain health.

Participants will get the chance to hear about people’s experiences of changes in hearing and brain health, deafness, and cochlear implants from the people with lived experience alongside professionals in the field during a lively panel discussion.

•What was it all about? Hearing loss affects up to 11 million people in the UK. It is often seen as something that just happens with age. Poorly managed or untreated hearing loss is associated with poorer outcomes in education and employment, and can be detrimental to a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. It increases the risk of depression and is the biggest, modifiable risk factor for dementia.

Hearing loss is perceived as a minor and inevitable inconvenience, hearing aids are seen as something for much older adults, and the understanding of how and when to access hearing health care is limited, and then tricky to navigate once inside the healthcare system.

Early intervention, use of personal protective equipment, hearing tests and the uptake of hearing aids and cochlear implants could reduce the otherwise detrimental effects of loss of hearing and improve quality of life. Despite effective interventions being available there is poor awareness and a reluctance to engage with them.

We have been engaging with communities in Southampton to meet people where they are, to listen and spark conversations around hearing and brain health. We have seen the value of this and want to continue these conversations at this event.

This event will draw together, share, and explore some of the learning through research that has been gleaned from working with members of local community groups in the community and from the lived experience of members of ALL_EARS our hearing loss PPIE group. You will have the opportunity to talk to professionals in the field of hearing and brain health, alongside speak to and hear from people with real life, lived experience of hearing and brain health.