Each year, hearing dog owners have the chance to tell the public what a difference these dogs make to their lives, by nominating them for a ‘Hearing Dog of the Year’ award. There are three categories:

• Rescue Hearing Dog
• Heroic Hearing Dog
• Life-changing
Hearing Dog

Hearing dog of the year

Hearing Dog of the Year 2010

The annual Hearing Dog of the Year Awards 2010 will be held at the beautiful and historic Merchant Taylors' Hall in London on Monday 11 October. The awards will celebrate the work of hearing dogs across the country, honouring their sound work but above paying tribute to the differences they have many to their deaf owners lives.

This is the seventh year the awards have been held. They have always been keenly supported by celebrity friends. The 2009 awards were presented by Esther Rantzen and Stephanie Beacham.

If you would like to join in our celebration and attend the awards evening, tickets are priced at £200. Please contact Emma Bird at emma.bird@hearingdogs.org.uk for further information.

There are three categories for which working hearing dogs are nominated:

Rescue Hearing Dog: sponsored by Specsavers Hearing Centres

For dogs which were selected from a rescue or rehoming centre (former strays, abandoned pups or unwanted pets that were gifted in to rescue centres). The judges are looking for what makes him or her so special to their deaf owners demonstrating the dog's ability to overcome their traumatic start in life.

Heroic Hearing Dog:

Any situations where the hearing dog has either saved the recipient's life or someone else's; acted above and beyond the call of duty; or potentially averted a tricky or dangerous situation.

Life-Changing Hearing Dog: sponsored by Royal Canin