people themselves. As it covers a very wide range of topics in one volume it will also serve as an initial reference work for professionals already working with deaf and hard of hearing people. The 27 chapters are written by experts currently practising in their respective subjects. The chapters describe the nature and number of people with hearing loss, the anatomy and physiology of the ear, causes of deafness and their treatment, the measurement of hearing and screening for hearing loss, hearing loss in children and its diagnosis treatment and management, the effects of ageing and noise on hearing, psychological and psychiatric aspects of deafness, hearing aids and assistive devices, cochlear and other implanted devices.