Michael Robert Peacock, born in the North of England in 1939 was educated at Repton School and the University of Liverpool, qualifying in 1963. Shortly afterwards he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and became interested in otorhinolaryngology. He passed the DLO in 1968 and the FRCS five years later. He was graded a specialist and rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel during his eighteen years service. Towards the end of this time while serving at home he became interested in the problems of deaf children and was appointed honorary senior registrar to the Nuffield speech and hearing centre. After retiring from the RAMC he was appointed senior registrar at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital and later, consultant to the North Riding Infirmary at Middlesbrough. He pursued his interest in the problems of deaf children and established special clinics in paediatric audiology. He travelled widely lecturing on this subject and had a special interest in genetics in deafness. He also helped to initiate the "Let Me Hear" appeal to provide special hearing aids for deaf children. Tragically he was stricken with leukaemia at this stage of life when his reputation was becoming established; the disease did not respond to treatment and he died on 28 November 1983 aged 44. He is survived by his wife Valerie, and children Martin, Melanie, Veronique and Matthew.