UCC and DeafHear Announce Partnership

7 Sep 2016

University College Cork’s Department of Speech and Hearing Science and DeafHear have today announced the establishment of a partnership which will see DeafHear supporting UCC’s MSc. in Audiology programme.

DeafHear has been providing specialist services and support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and their families since 1964, whilst continuously advocating for equal access and opportunities for those affected by hearing difficulties. At today’s announcement DeafHear CEO Mark Byrne stated that “we are delighted to announce our new relationship with UCC’s College of Medicine and Health. It displays our commitment to operate as a vibrant and relevant organisation who works with, and advocates for those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. UCC’s Department of Speech and Hearing Science has taken the lead in addressing the educational audiological deficit that exists nationally, and I am confident, due to our mutual interest, that we can look forward to working together over the coming years.”

UCC’s Department of Speech and Hearing Science was the first, and so far the only university in Ireland to offer a clinical pre-registration programme in audiology. The MSc inculcates a Problem Based Learning approach with its students and the Department is committed to achieving better and safer hearing health nationally. Professor John R. Higgins, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Head of the College of Medicine and Health UCC welcomed DeafHear to UCC, and stated that “Working with partners allows our staff and students’ to benefit from the clinical reality outside of the traditional university setting. Across the College of Medicine and Health we have seen the benefits of corporate engagement in how we design our courses, and instil that knowledge to our students. As such, we are delighted to announce our new relationship with DeafHear, and look forward to working together as we face the challenge of providing better and safer hearing health to Ireland.”