My brother Dave Baguley, who has died suddenly aged 61, was a leader in the field of audiology, working for three decades at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge and then at the University of Nottingham, where he carried out research into hearing loss and tinnitus.
Born in Manchester, Dave was the eldest son of Sheila (nee Cavanagh), a social worker, and Philip Baguley, a chemical engineer. When the family relocated to Ipswich, Suffolk, he attended Northgate grammar school for boys before going to Manchester University, where he gained a BSc in psychology in 1983, following up with an MSc in clinical audiology in 1985.
His first job was as a scientific officer at the MRC Institute of Hearing Research in Cardiff, and a year later he joined the NHS, working as a clinical scientist in audiology at Addenbrookes, where he remained for more than 30 years, rising to be a consultant and head of audiology services and cochlear implants.
In 2016 he left Addenbrooke’s to become professor of hearing sciences at the University of Nottingham, where he did research work and lecturing and worked tirelessly to promote understanding of tinnitus and hyperacusis (noise sensitivity).
Over the years he was a regular speaker at conferences and courses, and he sat on various committees, including as chair of the British Society of Audiology (2009-11) and as president of the British Tinnitus Association (2015-19). He also edited the British Journal of Audiology (1995-2000), and wrote more than 200 scientific articles as well as a number of books on hearing-related topics.
Dave had embraced Christianity in his early 20s, and in 2011 was ordained as a priest in the Church of England, latterly serving as an associate minister at St Martin’s Church in Sherwood, Nottingham, where his wife, Bridget (nee Reed), whom he married in 1989, is the vicar.
Away from work he was a talented guitarist (he played in several bands as a young man) and was a fan of Bob Dylan and the Beatles. His greatest support, however, was reserved for the music of Joy Division and New Order. He first watched Joy Division in Leeds in 1979, and saw New Order on many occasions, amassing an extensive collection of T-shirts that featured both bands.
A keen cook, particularly of exceptionally good curries, Dave loved to entertain family and friends, and was known for his warm hospitality. He was also a great guide to some of Manchester’s lesser known pubs and curry houses.
He is survived by Bridget, their children, Sam, Naomi and Luke, his father, and his two brothers, Richard and me.
