Marc Forster supports Hear the World as ambassador

2009-08-12, Stäfa, Switzerland

The Swiss director Marc Forster has been appointed as a new ambassador for the
Hear the World initiative. Bryan Adams, the campaign’s official photographer, portrayed Marc Forster in the symbolic listening pose with his hand behind his ear – representing conscious hearing.

As ambassador for Hear the World, Forster, whose late brother was born deaf, is committed to educating the public about the importance of good hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. Loss of hearing is one of the most frequent disabilities of the senses. According to estimates, around 16 percent of the world’s population are affected – around 800 million people.

With his commitment to Hear the World, Marc Forster joins renowned personalities such as Annie Lennox, Lenny Kravitz, Harry Belafonte, and many others who also allowed the Canadian rock musician and photographer Bryan Adams to photograph them in this special listening pose with their hands behind their ears.

Phonak’s worldwide hearing initiative is intended to raise awareness about the subject of hearing and hearing loss. Hear the World highlights the social and emotional consequences of hearing loss and provides information on prevention, as well as solutions to a problem estimated to affect as many as 16 percent of the world’s population – around 800 million people.

"Marc Forster knows from his own experience how important it is to provide the best possible support for people with hearing loss and to avoid stigmatising their hearing loss. With his commitment to Hear the World, he is making a valuable contribution towards raising public awareness of a subject which affects as many as 800 million people," says Valentin Chapero, CEO of Phonak.