Actress Stephanie Beacham will answer your questions on our Chronic Illness & Disabilities message board.
Date: Friday July 17th
Time: 12.30-2 pm

Stephanie Beacham was brought up in Hertfordshire, England, studied ballet from the age of four and later mime in Paris with Etienne de Creux before training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Her extensive career, which encompasses film, theatre and television, has earned her much success on both sides of the Atlantic including nominations for a Golden Globe (for Sister Kate) and a People's Choice Award (The Colbys).She is best known for her roles in Tenko, Dynasty, Bad Girls and Coronation Street. She is currently filming a new show for BBC1 called Fashion, where she plays a fashion magazine editor

Stephanie is one of the 9 million Brits who live with hearing difficulties. She was born completely deaf in one ear and with 90% hearing in the other. Her condition is such that, in the past, hearing aids have not been technically able to correct her hearing effectively. Many of those affected by deafness experienced feeling of isolation and anxiety, but Stephanie is eager to make sure they do not suffer in silence.

Hearing loss can have a serious effect on people?s daily lives if not managed properly.

In a new survey commissioned by Specsavers Hearing Centres, almost half of over 50s (44%) have found that their relationships have suffered and two thirds (69%) find that their ability to take part in conversations is impaired. Sadly, more than half (52%) feel left out and ignored as a result of hearing difficulties. Two million people across the UK are now fitted with hearing aids, yet only 1.4 million use them on a regular basis. Astonishingly, experts believe that there are a further 4 million people in the UK who could benefit from a hearing aid.

Stephanie is launching The Sound Barrier Stars Awards, a new joint initiative between Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Specsavers Hearing Centres to find the nation?s heroes who are deaf or have profound hearing loss. The awards are an opportunity for the public to nominate a special person who has achieved incredible feats whilst coping with hearing loss.

Stephanie looks forward to answering your questions about her experience of living with deafness, offering advice and discussing her involvement in The Sound Barrier Star Awards.

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