Hear the World Sound Academy at Grand Canyon National Park Now Accepting Applications

2011-01-13, Stäfa, Switzerland

Hear the World, a global initiative by hearing system manufacturer Phonak, and Global Explorers, a non-profit educational travel organization, are now accepting applications for the first-ever Hear the World Sound Academy: Amplifying the Grand Canyon. The Sound Academy will integrate students of mixed hearing abilities to explore the role that sound plays in our lives by experiencing the diverse sound landscape of Grand Canyon National Park.

Sound deepens our experience of the world and the majesty of the Grand Canyon summons a connection with nature as few places can. However, this world-famous natural wonder faces a serious threat: noise pollution. For this reason, it is the perfect setting to educate students about the importance of natural sound and hearing preservation. Students of mixed hearing abilities will work together with acoustic scientists to collect sound data for the National Park Service while discovering an entirely new way of looking at sound as a precious resource and hearing as a cherished sense. Post-trip, the student ambassadors will launch an online campaign to educate the public about hearing and hearing loss based on what they learned, including a unique sound-themed podcast to be used as a learning tool by the National Park Service.

The Hear the World Sound Academy follows the 2010 Hear the World Amazon Expedition – where students explored the intricacies of sound in an environment where sound never sleeps, the Peruvian Amazon.

“Following the success of the Hear the World Amazon Expedition, we wanted to dive deeper into providing students with the understanding that hearing and sound is not something we should take for granted,” said Valentin Chapero, CEO of Phonak and founder of Hear the World. “In partnership with Global Explorers, we are excited to be able to offer this one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to gain the tools needed to be the next generation of sound ambassadors.”

To learn more, nominate a student or apply, please visit here.