Hear the World Foundation
Our aims, our principles, our supporters Within the framework of the Hear the World initiative, in 2006 the hearing aid manufacturer Phonak established the non-profit Hear the World Foundation. Both the initiative and the foundation share a common vision:
Celebrity ambassadors who attract attention Plácido Domingo, Sting, Take That, Bobby McFerrin, Lenny Kravitz, Annie Lennox, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore and Patrick Nuo are just a few of the over 50 celebrities who support Hear the World on a voluntary basis as ambassadors. All of them have had their pictures taken by rock legend and photographer Bryan Adams in the pose synonymous with conscious hearing – with a hand behind the ear. This unrivaled support helps draw attention to the issue of hearing and raise awareness among the general public.
A world where • hearing is valued and protected, • people are aware of their hearing, • wearing a hearing aid is no longer taboo, and • people with hearing loss are not discriminated against, but have equal opportunities.
You too can help us to help people! The staff at the Hear the World Foundation finds on an everyday basis that they can support only a fraction of the people who actually need help. You, dear reader, can help people to hear again. You can make it possible for children with hearing loss to have a school education. Please help us to help them!
The Foundation’s aim Against this background, the aim of the Hear the World Foundation is to assist in specific ways where people with hearing loss can be helped, or where studies or campaigns can be carried out to improve their quality of life. The Foundation’s help takes the form of financial support, the provision of hearing aids, or the deployment of one of its own teams.
The Hear the World Foundation’s well-defined purpose and transparent procedures ensure that all help given by donors will benefit those who need it.
Sustainability The guiding principle when selecting and implementing projects is that of sustainability. The Hear the World Foundation thus primarily supports projects in which longterm positive effects can be guaranteed. What does this mean in practice? It means, for example, that where hearing aids are provided, care is taken to ensure that the recipients are also able to receive regular care from hearing professionals and/or doctors. This is not something that can be taken for granted, especially in developing countries, so in many places people have to be specially trained for this purpose. A consistent supply of batteries must also be assured. In the specific case of children, associated measures such as speech therapy are also essential. These are just a few examples of follow-up measures that have to be considered alongside the initial aid.
Even the smallest donation is welcome and will make a difference. The Hear the World Foundation gratefully thanks all of its benefactors.
Bank details for donations: UBS AG, Zurich Account: Hear the World Foundation IBAN: CH12 0023 0230 4773 8401 U SWIFT: UBSWCHZH80A
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