Winners of the competition will be crowned Ear of the Year for the Home Counties, and will go through to a national final with a chance of scooping the first ever National Ear of the Year title.

Susan Osborne, director of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf's Breaking the Sound Barrier campaign, said: "The search for the sexiest pair of ears in the UK is a fun way to encourage people to think about how important, how precious their ears are and how important their hearing really is. If you think your ears have what it takes to win, please send us a photo.

"If you have any concerns about your hearing why not take a RNID telephone hearing check on 0845 600 55 555?

"It could put you back in touch with friends, family and colleagues."

Professor Tim Valentine, of Goldsmiths, University of London, has conducted research into attractiveness and distinctiveness of facial features.

He said: "Ears are an integral part of people's perception of the face and attractiveness. To my mind, what makes a really sexy pair of ears is not whether they are big, small or even a specific shape, but how the whole ear combines with the face."

The Ear of the Year Awards are part of the Breaking the Sound Barrier campaign, which aims to change attitudes to hearing loss and hearing aids.

To enter the competition, send your photos to Breaking the Sound Barrier Team, RNID, 19-23 Featherstone Street, London, EC1Y 8SL or email images to info@breakingthesoundbarrier.org.uk

Contestants should label what region they are from and include contact details.

By Bucks Free Press
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.697985.0.search_is_on_for_ear_of_the_year.php