Sounds of London to help research for deaf people

May 25, 2010 - PRLog -- Recordings from the London Sound Survey, an online collection of London Sounds, have been used in a promotional CD for the medical research charity Deafness Research UK. Sounds used include street traders' cries in Petticoat Lane market, a central London pub singalong, and an ultrasonic bat recording made in Lewisham.

Scientists supported by Deafness Research UK have then altered the sounds to simulate the effects of progressive hearing loss and tinnitus. The London Sound Survey's founder Ian Rawes, 45, said: "It's been a privilege helping support the work of Deafness Research UK, and it was surprising to hear how profoundly the everyday London sounds we take for granted can be affected by hearing problems."

The London Sound Survey was launched online in May 2009, and so far has collected nearly 600 recordings, ranging from wildlife and carol singers to football chants and demonstrations. It has been featured in the Evening Standard, on BBC Radio 4 and the arts radio station Resonance FM.