“Hear the Future” is the theme of World Hearing Day 2018. The World Hearing Organization (WHO) calls on everybody to take action to prevent and treat hearing loss. For over 10 years the Sonova-initiated Hear the World Foundation has enabled people in need with hearing loss to hear better.
An estimated 1.1 billion people worldwide are affected by hearing loss according to WHO—34 million of them are children.
WHO calls for action
On March 3, for World Hearing Day 2018, WHO will draw attention towards the rise in the number of people with hearing loss across the world with the theme “Hear the Future.” The WHO calls on everybody to take action to stem the increase of hearing loss through preventive efforts and to help ensure that people with hearing loss have access to rehabilitation and hearing solutions.
The consequences of an untreated hearing loss can be serious: People who do not hear cannot learn to speak. This could cause difficulties at school and in their work life and the chances of a life without limitations are low. On top of this, untreated hearing loss costs the global economy $750 billion every year (Source: WHO, 2018).
Prevention and Treatment Since 2006
The Hear the World Foundation—an initiative of Sonova, a provider of hearing solutions—is supporting people in need with hearing loss all around the world. Since its establishment, the foundation has supported over 80 aid projects enabling people in need to (better) hear. The foundation donated funding, the latest hearing technology by Phonak, Unitron, Hansaton, and Advanced Bionics as well as expertise of a pool of over 14,000 Sonova employees from around the world. As volunteers, employees share their knowledge with local project staff on-site in the projects and thus provide valuable help for self-help.
Every donation and every social share counts
Participation is everything: Everybody can make a statement on World Hearing Day and donate in favor of a child in need with hearing loss through www.hear-the-world.com. You can also help spread the word by sharing the Hear the World Foundation’s messages on social media. With each post, share, or like we draw even more people’s attention to the important issue.
Source: Hear the World Foundation
