Deafness Research UK’s 22ft high bionic ear is coming to York

National charity Deafness Research UK’s 22ft high bionic ear is coming to York Science Festival to teach people about how important and delicate their hearing is and remind people of the risks they face to their hearing from loud music, among other important educational messages about hearing.

The Bionic Ear Show will be at the York Science Festival on March 11, 12 and 13, where the charity hopes one of its messages can be driven home – about limiting exposure to loud music by turning down the volume on MP3 players.

Now in its 13th year, the York Science Festival is an opportunity for people throughout the region to engage with all aspects of science and technology.

Vivienne Michael, chief executive of Deafness Research UK, said: “While the revolution in MP3 and phone technology has given us all the benefit of music on the move, an unwelcome side effect is we are pumping up the volume into our ears and at a far earlier age than ever before.

“The fear is that many of us are playing music at such high volume that we risk permanent deafness and tinnitus far earlier than would be expected simply as a result of old age.”