The Sonova Group is involved in a large number of projects aimed at raising public awareness of good hearing. The most important of these is Phonak’s Hear the World initiative, launched in 2006. The initiative is active in three areas: prevention, support and solutions. Hear the World raises public awareness of the importance of hearing, explains the consequences of hearing loss, and demonstrates the benefits of available solutions.
Prevention is of critical importance. Research has shown that hearing is the sense that can be protected most effectively. Hear the World explains the risks to the public and conveys how hearing loss can be prevented – for example, by using hearing protection.
Despite all of the difficulties in overcoming the problem in day-to-day life, people with hearing loss wait on average 10 years before looking for a solution. This not only leads to a drastic deterioration in quality of life for those affected, but can also result in a loss of the ability to recognize everyday sounds. The psychological consequences, which are often caused by the isolation that accompanies hearing loss, should not be underestimated.
In order to support and enlighten those affected and their environment, Hear the World has positioned itself with an extensive website as the leading address on the internet for people looking for information about hearing and hearing loss. In addition to an online hearing screening, the website offers numerous articles and information on a broad spectrum of topics, such as “How loud is too loud” or “Hearing loss in children”. Information is provided using interactive elements, animations and downloads. In the expert panel, those affected and the people close to them, can pose their individual questions to specialists. The award-winning HEAR THE WORLD magazineis presented in a new, convenient online reading tool and features unexpected topics around the subject of hearing. Each of these important means of communication is a significant contribution to enlightening the public about the importance of hearing health awareness.
Hear the World has received praise internationally, from media to renowned international personalities and end customers alike. The number of Hear the World ambassadors who have been photographed by Bryan Adams and draw attention to the subject of hearing, has now increased to more than 50 celebrities. Well-known supporters are among others Placido Domingo, Annie Lennox, Take That, Sting, Jude Law, Joss Stone, Harry Belafonte and many more. Learn more about the ambassadors
The Sonova Group supports a variety of social projects aimed at improving the quality of life of people with hearing loss. This goal is also pursued by the independent, charitable Hear the World Foundation. The Foundation supports hearing-related projects all over the world financially as well as by providing technology and informational materials. For example, in financial year 2011/2012, the Hear the World Foundation supports Caritas Switzerland to improve the living and learning conditions of children with hearing loss of ethnic minorities in Ha Giang, Vietnam. Another project supports EARS Inc. in helping Australian volunteer audiologists to provide audiology treatments and ancillary services through ABC Community Clinic.
Learn more about the projects of Hear the World Foundation
www.hear-the-world.com
