Gay Byrne losing his hearing

Veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne has revealed that he is losing his hearing and is likely to go deaf.

The RTÉ presenter said he originally thought it was down to 50 years of working in TV and Radio, but has since found out that the condition is genetic and down to his age.

He hosted the Hidden Hearing Heroes Awards in association with the Irish Deaf Society yesterday.

The awards recognise those with hearing problems who have made a significant contribution to society.