Rula Lenska launches Specsavers Sound Barrier Star Awards

Rula Lenska, who plays Coronation Street's Claudia, has spoken out about her battle with hearing loss as she opened a nationwide search for hard of hearing high achievers. In launching the Sound Barrier Star Awards, the Coronation Street actress has admitted for the first time she suffers from higher frequency hearing loss and wears hearing aids in both her ears.

Mrs Lenska is talking about her hearing problems for the first time as she launches the 2011 Specsavers Sound Barrier Star Awards, which recognise achievement or courage in people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Run by Specsavers hearing centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the awards were fronted in 2010 by fellow Coronation Street star William Roache MBE. One in seven people in the UK have hearing problems.

Anyone can nominate themselves, a friend or family member to enter the Sound Barrier Star Awards by visiting one of over 400 Specsavers hearing centres nationwide and picking up a nomination form, or downloading a form online at www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing. Entrants will be asked to explain why they deserve to win.