Collaboration between Phonak’s hearing initiative and SWISS International Air Lines has begun
 
Stäfa (December 22, 2009) – Hear the World, the global initiative by the leading Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, will provide earplugs to business and first class passengers on all SWISS International Air Lines’ intercontinental flights starting on January 1st as a means of raising awareness about hearing loss and the need for regular hearing tests. The reusable earplugs allow passengers a more relaxing, quiet stay on board and offer effective protection against hearing loss in noisy environments. The collaboration between Phonak and SWISS International Air Lines will continue throughout 2010.

Phonak set up Hear the World in 2006 to increase awareness of the social and emotional consequences of hearing loss and to provide information on prevention and available solutions for those affected.
 
Hear the World takes off – with SWISS International Air Lines

In addition to the earplugs provided on board, SWISS UNIVERSE magazine will feature a number of articles about hearing and hearing loss to educate passengers about this very important issue. The current issue of the magazine features an interview with Annie Lennox, who has supported the Phonak initiative as an ambassador since 2007 after she was photographed by rock star and photographer, Bryan Adams. “My good sense of hearing has made it possible for me to live my life with music in the way that I do. I couldn’t even begin to imagine doing anything else. I’m eternally grateful for it,” said Annie, speaking candidly about her father, who worked below deck on a ship and whose hearing was irreparably damaged by the extreme noise levels.