http://www.hear-the-world.com/ Hear the World Newsfeed http://www.hear-the-world.com/typo3conf/ext/tt_news/ext_icon.gif http://www.hear-the-world.com/ 18 16 Hear the World Newsfeed TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/how-germans-protect-themselves-from-noise.html The International Noise Awareness Day has become a tradition: April 25, 2012 is the date of the... The International Noise Awareness Day has become a tradition: April 25, 2012 is the date of the 15th day of action against noise. A number of activities will be taking place across Germany based on this year’s theme “Emission: Impossible!” and, naturally, Hear the World will once again be involved. The worldwide initiative launched by the leading hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak has closely examined how people in different countries deal with noise. The result for Germany shows that only 7.4 percent of respondents usually or always protect their hearing when they go to loud concerts or are exposed to noise on a persistent basis. Hear the World is also taking part in the “Lärm in der Schule – Kinder machen Hörführerschein” (“Noise at school – ‘hearer’s licenses’ for children”) campaign in Berlin.

Noise – an underestimated cause of illness
About 16 percent of people suffer from a hearing impairment. Traffic noise, MP3 players, noise in the workplace – there are many dangers to our hearing lurking in our modern world. Whethernoise is harmful to our hearing and to what extent depends on two factors: duration and intensity. “Persistent exposure to noise from 85dB and above can result in irreparable hearing loss. This is the equivalent to the noise produced by an electric lawnmower. At a noise level of approx. 100 dB  – as is reached at concerts or with an MP3 player turned up to full volume – even 20 minutes of exposure per day puts people at risk of hearing impairment later on”, explains Daniela-Simone Feit, Assistant Director of Audiology for the hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak.

It is not only our hearing that suffers from noise. Even low noise levels can trigger the release of stress hormones leading to increased blood pressure. This in turn can cause aggressive behavior and tensions in interactions with other people, as well as an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and tinnitus. Unwanted sources of noise also prevent relaxation, recovery and sleep and reduce concentration and performance, particularly in children. 

How do we protect ourselves from noise? Germany lags behind, while Switzerland shines
To find out more about the significance of hearing for quality of life Hear the World set up the study “Hearing is Living.” This involved the Swiss market research and strategy consulting company zehnvier surveying over 4,300 people in Germany, France, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. One aspect on which the study focuses is how people deal with noise, in some cases revealing alarming results: only 7.4 percent of respondents usually or always protect their hearing when they go to concerts or are exposed to noise on a persistent basis. This puts Germany second last in the rankings when compared with other countries – only in the UK do people even more drastically underestimate the importance of hearing protection, with a figure of 6.5 percent. The clear leader is Switzerland, where 19.8 percent of respondents usually or always protect their hearing from damage caused by noise. In answer to the question of who has never protected their hearing at concerts or when persistently exposed to noise, Germany produced a figure of 65.5 percent, which is even higher than the 64.2 percent result from the UK. Once again, the Swiss set the example with 38.6 percent of respondents admitting to never protecting their hearing. Another striking result is that women, at 61.8 percent, generally take even less care than men, 48 percent of whom never protect their hearing. 

In answer to the question of who has never protected their hearing at concerts or when persistently exposed to noise, Germany produced a figure of 65.5 percent, which is even higher than the 64.2 percent result from the UK. Once again, the Swiss set the example with 38.6 percent of respondents admitting to never protecting their hearing. Another striking result is that women, at 61.8 percent, generally take even less care than men, 48 percent of whom never protect their hearing. 

Tips and tricks for dealing with noise  
Hearing loss cannot be reversed – once the sensitive hair cells  have been damaged, they can no longer transmit any impulses to the auditory nerve and to the brain. Insomnia and high blood pressure can have serious consequences for a person’s health and psychological well-being. To avoid this, audiology expert Daniela-Simone Feit has put together a few tips:

• In situations such as concerts, use earplugs and maintain an adequate distance from the source of the noise to avoid damage to hearing.
•  When listening to music through headphones, observe the 60/60 rule: listen to no more than 60 minutes of music through headphones each day and do not turn up the volume to any higher than 60 percent of the maximum limit of the device. 
• To enable recovery, deliberately take acoustic breaks and switch off all sources of noise (radio, TV etc.). This is particularly important after going to a disco, or working in a noisy environment etc. – in these situations the ears should be given at least 10 hours’ rest. 
•  Have your hearing checked regularly by an audiologist or specialist physician. 
• If it does happen and you get symptoms such as a feeling of pressure in the ear, a dull hearing sensation or persistent sounds in the ear, you should rest your hearing as a matter of urgency, drink lots of fluids and consult an ENT specialist as soon as possible.

“Noise at school – ‘hearer’s licenses’ for children” campaign
To mark the 15th International Noise Awareness Day, the “Lärm in der Schule – Kinder machen Hörführerschein” (“Noise at school – ‘hearer’s licenses’ for children”) show is being held at the headquarters of the DIN German Institute for Standardization in Berlin on April 25, 2012. The show focuses on making children aged 6 to 14 aware of hearing experiences and noise exposure in everyday life. At different stations, the young visitors have the opportunity to play games that bring them into contact with a variety of noise factors, and at the end of the day they receive a “hearer’s license” to show that they have participated successfully. Hear the World will be present with an interactive, hearing-related quiz, a hearing loss simulation and hearing screeners, and will be providing information about the fascinating topic of hearing and the risks posed by noise. ]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/forget-charlies-angels-hear-the-world-has-an-angelic-trio-of-its-own.html Bryan Adams photographs a new generation of ambassadors in the pose synonymous with conscious... Young, hip and pretty as a picture: Hear the World is delighted to have recruited three new ambassadors – Georgia Jagger, Léa Seydoux and Mini Anden. From now on, these three rising stars will be getting involved in the worldwide initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the significance of hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. Photographer and rock musician Bryan Adams has taken pictures of them in the Hear the World conscious hearing pose, with a hand cupped behind one ear.

At 20 years of age, Georgia Jagger is the youngest of the new Hear the World ambassadors – and also the one with the most famous parents, “Rolling Stone” Mick Jagger and model Jerry Hall, who have both previously been photographed by Bryan Adams for Hear the World. Just like her mother, Georgia is completely at home on the catwalk and has already appeared in shows modeling clothes by fashion greats such as Karl Lagerfeld.

The French actress Léa Seydoux can also look back on a remarkable career at the tender age of just 26. She has already been nominated twice in the “Best upcoming actress” category at the “César” French movie awards. Léa has even established herself in the international movie world: she could be seen in movie theaters across the world playing supporting roles in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”.

Swedish supermodel Mini Anden has been featured on the front pages of major international fashion magazines since she was 16. In Sweden she is known as the face of “Scandinavia’s Next Top Model” – the equivalent to Heidi Klum in Germany. In addition to her success as a model and presenter, Mini has also enjoyed acting roles in various international movie and television productions, such as “Ocean’s Twelve”, “Prime” and “Chuck.”

As new Hear the World ambassadors, these three young ladies are keen to draw people’s attention to the issue of hearing and hearing loss. They are joining the ranks of over 50 celebrity ambassadors, including Julianne Moore, Josh Groban, Sting and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who have all been photographed by Bryan Adams in the Hear the World pose.]]> Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:25:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/good-hearing-ensures-a-harmonious-partnership-and-a-fulfilled-love-life.html “Are you even listening to me properly?”, “We’ve already discussed that.”, “You don’t understand... “Are you even listening to me properly?”, “We’ve already discussed that.”, “You don’t understand me!” Let’s be honest: Is there anyone who’s never heard one of these phrases? It’s no secret that functioning communication is a basic prerequisite of a harmonious and happy relationship. However, what if the relationship is the very thing that’s impaired, because one of the partners is affected by hearing loss? Hear the World has concerned itself with just that question and, in time for Valentine’s Day on 14 February, is publishing surprising results of the “Hearing is Living” study. Among other things, it shows that people with hearing loss feel more attractive, lead better partnerships and enjoy a more fulfilled love life since wearing a hearing aid.

Hear the World, the global initiative by leading hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, initiated the “Hearing is Living” study to find out more about the significance of hearing for our quality of life. For this purpose, the Swiss Market Research and Strategy Consultancy zehnvier questioned more than 4,300 people in Germany, France, Switzerland, Great Britain and the USA.

Harmony in the relationship and more fun in bed
70 per cent of all respondents who have hearing aids confirm that their relationship has improved since they’ve been wearing a hearing aid. Over a third (36%) of respondents even report a more fulfilled love life since their hearing has improved. 

And the respondents whose partners wear hearing aids also confirm the positive effect of the hearing aid on the relationship: 81 per cent generally welcome the fact that their partner wears a hearing aid. 40 per cent believe that they are getting more attention from their partner again since he/she has been wearing a hearing aid and 38 per cent feel that their relationship has improved overall due to the hearing aid.

“Various studies show how important communication is for a harmonious relationship. The readiness and ability to adequately listen and respond to each other is one of the most important foundations of a satisfactory partnership. An untreated hearing loss can lead to a perceptible disruption in the dialogue between partners and promote misunderstandings and estrangement. This can be positively countered by a hearing aid“, explains relationship expert Prof. Dr. Guy Bodenmann from the Psychological Institute of the University of Zurich / Switzerland.

An overview of the most important facts:

• 36% of hearing aid wearers (HAWs) have a more fulfilled love life since being able to hear better
• 70% of HAWs report an improvement in their relationship thanks to improved hearing 
• 81% of the partners of people with hearing loss welcome the fact that the partner wears a hearing aid
• 78% of the respondents without hearing aid have no problem with a new acquaintance wearing a hearing aid
• 52% of HAWs find it easy to make new acquaintances, this is about the same as in the population as a whole

Good hearing helps – even when looking for a partner
Anyone who now thinks that a hearing aid could act as a deterrent when getting to know someone is wrong. According to the study, people with moderate to severe hearing loss who have a hearing aid feel more attractive and desirable than people with untreated hearing loss (29% with HA, 16% without HA). It therefore comes as no surprise that hearing aids don’t act as a deterrent when looking for partners: 78 per cent of the respondents stated that it would be no problem at all for them if a new acquaintance were to wear a hearing aid. For nine per cent a hearing aid would actually be an issue. However: Were the affected person not to wear a hearing aid, but obviously have difficulty hearing, a relationship would be out of the question for 24 per cent of the respondents. This aspect is especially important for female respondents: A full 28 per cent would not enter into a relationship if the man did not hear well and did nothing about it.

And hearing aid wearers don’t feel restricted in their choice of partner either: 52 per cent of hearing aid wearers state that they find it easy to make new acquaintances – these are about as many as in the general population. Whether already in a relationship or still looking – those with good hearing definitely have better prospects on Valentine’s Day.

_{All Percentages quoted relate to the total respondents in Germany, France, Switzerland, Great Britain and the USA.} 
]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/those-who-hear-well-lead-a-more-active-healthy-and-happy-life.html What does our hearing have to do with the way we feel about ourselves and how healthy we are? Or... What does our hearing have to do with the way we feel about ourselves and how healthy we are? Or how often we exercise? Or how we plan our vacation? Hear the World asked these and other questions, in its “Hearing is Living” study, and found some surprising results. People with hearing loss which is treated with a hearing aid report that it has had a positive influence on their quality of life (83 percent of respondents with hearing aids), their general state of health (69 percent) and their sense of self-esteem (64 percent). Respondents also enjoy sports (37 percent) and travel (66 percent) more. The study also shows that the tendency to experience depression is higher for people with untreated hearing loss than for those with hearing aids or normal hearing. 

The ability to hear is down to a  fascinating sensory organ which plays a central role in many facets of our lives. It affects our physical and mental wellbeing and influences how active we are in our everyday life. To find out more about the significance of hearing for our quality of life Hear the World, the global initiative of Phonak, the leading manufacturer of hearing aids, initiated the “Hearing is Living” study. Over 4,300 people in Germany, France, Switzerland, Great Britain and the USA were surveyed by the Swiss market research and strategy consultants zehnvier. The survey included people with hearing aids, people with untreated hearing loss, relatives of people with hearing loss and people not affected by hearing loss, directly or indirectly.

83 percent of all hearing aid users surveyed are in agreement about the fact that since their hearing has improved their quality of life has changed for the better. The reasons for this are as diverse as the significance of hearing for our health.

Good hearing contributes to wellbeing and prevents depression 
Internationally, 69 percent of respondents with hearing aids state that the hearing aid has a positive influence on their general mood. Equally 69 percent report an improvement in their mental fitness, which is evident from a heightened receptiveness and improved concentration. 64 percent confirm that the hearing aid has a positive influence on their self esteem.

A comparison of hearing aid users and people with untreated hearing loss also reveals the importance of hearing for our mental health. Respondents affected by moderate to severe hearing loss who do not wear a hearing aid feel sad or depressed more frequently than hearing aid owners (22 percent without a hearing aid, 15 percent with a hearing aid), are more likely to feel insecure and anxious (21 percent without a hearing aid, 13 percent with a hearing aid), and suffer from insomnia more often (31 percent without a hearing aid, 24 percent with a hearing aid). These symptoms are regarded in the field of medicine as possible first indicators of depressive disorders. Prof. Dr. med. Martin Ohlmeier, Director of the Clinic for psychiatry and psychotherapy in Kassel/Germany, had these comments on the results: “People with hearing loss lack some important opportunities for human contact. The consequences of this isolation can be the development of depression and increased anxiety, but also increasing mistrust of others. While the tendency for depression among people with untreated hearing loss is significantly higher, differences between people with a hearing aid and people with no hearing loss are marginal. This shows that a hearing aid can support the prevention of depression for people who experience hearing difficulties.”

Hearing aid users exercise more frequently and feel healthier  
However, hearing affects not just our mental health, but also our physical health. Evidence shows that overall 37 percent of the hearing aid users surveyed state that they enjoy sports more since they have been wearing a hearing aid. And along with enjoyment, they also gain endurance: 21 percent of hearing aid owners report that they exercise more, 34 percent say that they actively take part in sports at least once a week. The almost logical conclusion: 69 percent of hearing aid users surveyed believe that their hearing aid has a positive effect on their general health.

Good hearing makes you mobile – in everyday life and when travelling
Another insight to come out of the study is that hearing has a clear influence on how mobile and active we are. Internationally, 65 percent of hearing aid users confirm improved everyday mobility. Not surprising when you consider that 79 percent of users surveyed are able to find their way around better in traffic and in unfamiliar surroundings thanks to their hearing aid. And hearing aids also have an impact on how their users spend their leisure time: 73 percent of hearing aid users surveyed now enjoy more going to the theater or movies, and 71 percent enjoy going to restaurants since they have been wearing their hearing aid. This mobility in everyday life carries on further from home. 84 percent of users surveyed state that thanks to their hearing aid they can again travel in whatever way they like, 66 percent have more fun when travelling.

More enjoyment from sport and travel, a more active and healthy life – the positive effect good hearing has on our quality of life is a key insight gained from the “Hearing is Living” study is. If you want to learn more about the complex and fascinating significance of hearing you can find the complete study here. You can also order a hardcopy of the study free of charge via info@hear-the-world.com.  


]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:37:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/hear-the-world-foundation-publishes-2011-activity-report.html The Hear the World Foundation has been involved in campaigns for better hearing all over... The Hear the World Foundation has been involved in campaigns for better hearing all over the world for more than five years. The foundation, which was established by the Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, promotes equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people disadvantaged by their hearing loss. Its particular focus is on supporting children with hearing loss, enabling them to develop at an appropriate rate for their age. In 2011, the foundation provided 15 aid projects in 12 countries with hearing instruments as well as financial support amounting to over CHF 520,000.

Hearing loss is an issue that continues to be underestimated, even though the facts tell a different story: On a global scale, hearing loss affects 16 percent of the world’s population. Yet many people forget that hearing loss means far more than just poor hearing. People with untreated hearing loss often have to struggle with social isolation, disadvantages in their professional lives and even depression. In developing countries, where 2,000 children are born with impaired hearing every day, the consequences of hearing loss are even more serious. These children barely stand a chance of learning to speak correctly; they are excluded at school and therefore end up being ostracized in society.

Sustainable commitment on a global scale
“The Hear the World Foundation can look back on a busy and eventful year. 2011 has seen us acquire outstanding new partners all over the world and enhance our existing networks and partnerships. I am personally delighted that more and more children with hearing loss who are being cared for and supported by us are making tremendous progress and being given a real chance in life – even though their living conditions are often difficult,” says Alexander Zschokke, President of the Hear the World Foundation.

Sustainable support rather than a flash in the pan: this is the key criterion for all Hear the World Foundation projects. This means, for example, that for every donation of hearing instruments, fittings and regular follow-up checks by experts on location, as well as a continuous supply of batteries, are also provided. In the case of children in particular, supplementary measures such as speech therapy to ensure age-appropriate speech development are often required as well. Examples of our long-term cooperation with local partners include projects in Kenya, Cambodia, Canada and the Dominican Republic. In these projects, we have managed to build on our firm foundations and expand our strong medical care network. All of the information on these and other projects can be found here.

Partnership with the Special Olympics 
A particular highlight of 2011 was our inaugural collaboration with the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens (Greece). With more than 7,000 participants from 170 countries, the Special Olympics are not only a unique sporting event, but also the world’s biggest health program for people with intellectual disabilities. It emerged that around a quarter of the athletes involved were affected by hearing loss, yet many of them had not been provided with hearing instruments. The Hear the World Foundation donated a total of 344 high-quality hearing instruments to the Special Olympics participants and arranged free follow-up care in their home countries. You can find out more about this project in the Activity Report, starting from page 34.

• Malawi: Pioneering work to provide basic audiological care in one of the poorest countries in the world
• Vietnam: Better quality of life and education for children with hearing loss as well as advice for teachers and parents 
• Georgia: Hearing instruments for schoolchildren and kindergarten children 
• Germany: Intercultural exchange for children with hearing loss
• Great Britain: A special club for children with hearing loss on the Isle of Wight and effective preparation for life and work 
• Jamaica: Support for the development of the first degree course in Audiology in the Caribbean 
• Armenia: A clinic partnership for pediatric health care for Armenian children 
• 52 Children: Improved hearing for 52 disadvantaged children per year 
  

“I would like to take this opportunity to think everyone who has supported us with their personal involvement or with financial donations or gifts. Your help will enable us to continue campaigning for equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people suffering from hearing loss in the future, too,” says Alexander Zschokke.

Project submissions
The Hear the World Foundation welcomes submissions of projects which deal with the issue of hearing loss, make a contribution toward its prevention, campaign to break down taboos relating to hearing loss or provide concrete support for those affected and their families. The closing date for submissions for 2012 is January 31, 2012. Further information is available here. 

For further information, please see the 2011 Activity Report.]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:54:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/higher-quality-of-life-and-better-relationships-international-study-proves-positive-influence-of.html New international study, “Hearing is Living” by Hear the World, debunks common myth around hearing... New international study, “Hearing is Living” by Hear the World, debunks common myth around hearing loss and hearing aids. The initial study results show a significant advantage as eight in 10 (82.8 percent) people surveyed from the United States who wear a hearing aid reported an increase in quality of life and two-thirds (67.5 percent) noted a better relationship with their partners.

The study results also show there may be less of a vanity issue with hearing aids as 86.7 percent said they wear their hearing aid openly and confidently, and experience positive reactions from the people around them (77.3 percent). 

An estimated 36 million adults in the United States have some degree of hearing loss. However, far more important than the statistics are the effects of hearing loss for each person affected. Sometimes people with unaided hearing loss struggle with social isolation, relationship problems, disadvantages in everyday life and even depression. Modern hearing aids improve the quality of life of the people affected and help them to be able to participate fully in life once more.

“Over the last five years, Hear the World has been raising awareness about the importance of hearing and working to dispel many myths associated with hearing loss and hearing aids. Although hearing is of central importance for almost all spheres of life, there are still too many people who are freely denying themselves a substantial degree of quality of life without realizing it,” explains Susan Whichard, Executive Director of Industry Relations, Phonak, LCC. "With our study "Hearing is Living", we want to make people more conscious that it is worth valuing and protecting their own hearing and encourage them to do something about their hearing loss."

To find out more about the significance of hearing for quality of life, Hear the World, the worldwide initiative of the leading manufacturer of hearing aids, Phonak, initiated the study "Hearing is Living". To this end, more than 4,300 people in the United States, Germany, France, Switzerland, and the UK were interviewed by the Swiss market research and strategy consultancy, zehnvier. These included people with a hearing aid, people with unaided hearing loss, relatives of people with hearing loss and a neutral control group. Here is an overview of the initial results for those surveyed in the United States:

• 86.7 percent of those interviewed wear their hearing aid openly and confidently.
• Over three-fourths (77.3 percent) of those interviewed report that other people react positively to their hearing aid.
• For 60.1 percent of those interviewed, their hearing aid is so natural that they even forget that they are wearing it.
• 62.7 percent of those interviewed can no longer imagine life without a hearing aid and almost half (47.7 percent) said they should have started using a hearing aid much earlier.
• 82.8 percent of the hearing aid users interviewed have been enjoying a higher quality of life since they have been wearing a hearing aid.*
• 67.5 percent of those interviewed claim that their relationship with their partner has improved since they have been wearing a hearing aid.*

* Data in percentages of top 3 boxes (a little / significantly / very much so)

]]> Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:30:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/keep-your-ears-open-when-it-comes-to-buying-toys.html The holidays are just around the corner, and with that comes the annual hunt for the perfect... The holidays are just around the corner, and with that comes the annual hunt for the perfect children’s gift. Audible toys which reproduce speech, noises, sounds and tunes are particularly popular amongst children. What people may not know is that some of these toys reach volumes that could potentially cause permanent damage to children’s hearing. This is the purpose behind a collaboration with Hear the World and  Aalen University in Germany to conduct a thorough examination on a selection of 28 popular children’s toys available in five different countries. The result: many of the toys tested are harmless – but there are still a few rogue items among them which produce record volumes of around 130 decibels. This is the same noise level produced by a jet taking off at low distance and, which can cause irreparable hearing damage in a very short time.

The measurements were carried out in an anechoic room belonging to the hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak and were conducted by Annette Limberger, Professor of Audiology at Aalen University in Germany. Each toy was tested at distances of 2.5 cm and 50 cm from the sound level measuring device, five times at each distance, which identified the sound intensity close to and away from the ear. The tested toys included music boxes, toy cars, action figures, children’s cell phones and microphones, squeaking ducks, educational games, tools, rattles and toy musical instruments.

Children’s toys – from harmless to dangerously loud
What volumes are safe for children? At what level do noises become harmful to hearing? “If we assume that, on average, children play with a toy for half an hour at a time, volumes above 95 decibels can be classified as potentially harmful. After all, this corresponds to a noise level on a par with a train going by. From 100 decibels upward, noises are reaching a critical level, which in individual cases could lead to hearing loss caused by impulse noise,” explains Prof. Annette Limberger.

The tests revealed that five of the six U.S. toys landed on the Top 10 list of  loudest toys tested. However, only two of those toys reached over the potentially harmful 95 decibel level including the front runner -- an air horn with a maximum volume of 132.5 decibels at 2.5 cm and a learning letters mailbox at 105.3 decibels at 2.5 cm. (Note: the learning letter mailbox was only over the 95 decibels levels during the peak value test at 2.5 cm.) “At these kinds of noise levels, there is definitely a risk of irreparable hearing damage. There are other toys which reach similar volumes, although you would never suspect it. “In the past, for example, we have tested squeaking ducks that reached volumes of up to 130 decibels and toy whistles that produced up to 126 decibels,” says Prof. Limberger.

Do children have more sensitive ears?
According to Prof. Limberger, there is no evidence to suggest that children’s ears are, anatomically speaking, any more sensitive to noise than adults’ ears. Young children, for example, can tune out noise very well, enabling them to sleep in noisy surroundings. However, there is no natural protective mechanism that is triggered for noise at high volumes. Children are unable to sense that a sound source could be harmful to their hearing and therefore do not instinctively move out of its range. This makes it all the more important to protect small children from noise.

There is another phenomenon that Prof. Limberger is encountering more and more: “One of the problems with loud toys is that children are getting used to high noise levels from an early age. In my view, this not only means that they are likely to be more careless in dealing with noise exposure from MP3 players or nightclubs later on, but it can also lead to changes in their psychosocial behavior. These children can barely tolerate being in quiet environments, for example, or often suffer from attention deficit disorders.”

What parents should bear in mind
Prof. Annette Limberger has compiled some useful tips for parents:

• Parents rarely give their children very loud toys because they are directly affected by the noise themselves. It is worth drawing attention to this issue with grandparents, relatives and friends, as they may not think about the hearing risks involved with giving loud toys.
• Many toys can be tested in-store by pressing a demo button accessible through the packaging. Your own noise perception is a good indicator of the sound levels produced by these toys.
• There is also a variety of sound level measuring Apps for Smartphones that give a good indication on noise levels.
• It’s important to create “quiet spaces” for children at the earliest age possible where they can discover that silence can be enjoyable and that noise is not always a fun and positive thing. The brain and the ears need regular breaks from noise exposure to recover.
• Impulse noise is considerably more harmful than continuous noise at a certain level. It is therefore worth being particularly cautious when choosing toys with sound effects and high maximum volumes, such as whistles, air horns, trumpets, etc.

*All measurements were carried out using weighting filter A in compliance with IEC standard 651, as this corresponds to actual hearing perception. The highest decibel level was recorded for toys with short impulse noises, while those making continuous noises produced a moderate level.


]]> Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:25:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/hear-the-world-calendar-2012-stars-pose-for-the-good-cause-1.html What do stars such as Diane Kruger, Renée Zellweger and Jenson Button have in common? They have all... What do stars such as Diane Kruger, Renée Zellweger and Jenson Button have in common? They have all been photographed by Bryan Adams for the Hear the World Calendar 2012. By adopting the pose synonymous with conscious hearing, with one hand behind the ear, the stars are raising awareness of a neglected issue – the importance of good hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. With its striking black-and-white portraits, the calendar is perfect if you are looking to give someone a unique present and do some good at the same time. Proceeds from calendar sales will go directly to the Hear the World Foundation, which is committed to securing equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people with hearing loss. A limited edition of the Hear the World Calendar 2012 will be available from November 25, 2011 at www.hear-the-world.com for EUR 24.90.

Hear the World, an initiative launched by the Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, was set up five years ago with the aim of improving public awareness of the topic of hearing and hearing loss and offering support to those affected worldwide. Rock legend and photographer Bryan Adams has been involved since day one and has now taken over 50 pictures of celebrities in the pose synonymous with conscious hearing, which are both a rallying cry and a work of art.

Twelve portraits have been selected for the Hear the World Calendar 2012 to produce a unique collection of photos. These include Diane Kruger, Renée Zellweger, Freida Pinto, Pixie Lott, Jenson Button, Moby, Jared Leto and Josh Groban. Some of the celebrities have a very personal connection with the topic: New Kids On The Block singer Joey McIntyre’s son was born with hearing loss, and the star is involved in Hear the World’s efforts to raise awareness, particularly among young parents and families, of the importance of detecting hearing loss at an early stage. Scottish musician KT Tunstall also has a very personal reason to support Hear the World’s educational work: her brother was born with severe hearing loss. KT thus knows from experience the challenges that people with impaired hearing face.

Working together to improve hearing and fight hearing loss
The facts confirm the importance of Hear the World’s mission: across the world, over 800 million people – 16 percent of the global population – are affected by hearing loss. Much more important than the statistics, however, are the consequences for every single person affected: hearing loss means much more than not being able to hear well. If left untreated, hearing loss can leave those affected facing social isolation, relationship problems, difficulties at work or even depression.

The situation is even more critical in developing countries, where around 2,000 children every day are born with impaired hearing. For them, there is no chance of their condition being diagnosed in good time and prospects of receiving expert medical treatment are equally bleak. They therefore have difficulty learning to speak and tend to develop more slowly than appropriate for their age group, as well as being denied decent access to education and being ostracized from society. By buying the Hear the World Calendar, everyone can support the efforts of the Hear the World Foundation, whose work includes campaigning to give children like these the chance to lead a normal life.

]]> Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:54:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/hear-the-world-calendar-2012-stars-pose-for-the-good-cause.html What do stars such as Diane Kruger, Renée Zellweger and Jenson Button have in common? They have all... What do stars such as Diane Kruger, Renée Zellweger and Jenson Button have in common? They have all been photographed by Bryan Adams for the Hear the World Calendar 2012. By adopting the pose synonymous with conscious hearing, with one hand behind the ear, the stars are raising awareness of a neglected issue – the importance of good hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. With its striking black-and-white portraits, the calendar is perfect if you are looking to give someone a unique present and do some good at the same time. Proceeds from calendar sales will go directly to the Hear the World Foundation, which is committed to securing equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people with hearing loss. A limited edition of the Hear the World Calendar 2012 will be available from November 25, 2011 at www.hear-the-world.com for EUR 24.90.

Hear the World, an initiative launched by the Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, was set up five years ago with the aim of improving public awareness of the topic of hearing and hearing loss and offering support to those affected worldwide. Rock legend and photographer Bryan Adams has been involved since day one and has now taken over 50 pictures of celebrities in the pose synonymous with conscious hearing, which are both a rallying cry and a work of art.

Twelve portraits have been selected for the Hear the World Calendar 2012 to produce a unique collection of photos. These include Diane Kruger, Renée Zellweger, Freida Pinto, Pixie Lott, Jenson Button, Moby, Jared Leto and Josh Groban. Some of the celebrities have a very personal connection with the topic: New Kids On The Block singer Joey McIntyre’s son was born with hearing loss, and the star is involved in Hear the World’s efforts to raise awareness, particularly among young parents and families, of the importance of detecting hearing loss at an early stage. Scottish musician KT Tunstall also has a very personal reason to support Hear the World’s educational work: her brother was born with severe hearing loss. KT thus knows from experience the challenges that people with impaired hearing face.

Working together to improve hearing and fight hearing loss
The facts confirm the importance of Hear the World’s mission: across the world, over 800 million people – 16 percent of the global population – are affected by hearing loss. Much more important than the statistics, however, are the consequences for every single person affected: hearing loss means much more than not being able to hear well. If left untreated, hearing loss can leave those affected facing social isolation, relationship problems, difficulties at work or even depression.

The situation is even more critical in developing countries, where around 2,000 children every day are born with impaired hearing. For them, there is no chance of their condition being diagnosed in good time and prospects of receiving expert medical treatment are equally bleak. They therefore have difficulty learning to speak and tend to develop more slowly than appropriate for their age group, as well as being denied decent access to education and being ostracized from society. By buying the Hear the World Calendar, everyone can support the efforts of the Hear the World Foundation, whose work includes campaigning to give children like these the chance to lead a normal life.

]]> Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:47:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/chances-an-exhibition-of-fascinating-photographs-in-support-of-the-hear-the-world-foundation.html In May 2011, singer-songwriter Patrick Nuo visited a Hear the World foundation project in Nairobi,... In May 2011, singer-songwriter Patrick Nuo visited a Hear the World foundation project in Nairobi, Kenya, that aims to give children with hearing loss the chance to lead a normal life. Nuo, who has become a sponsor of the project, was accompanied by the Hamburg-based photographer Philipp Rathmer, who documented the visit. The result is a series of fascinating pictures of the people involved, the work of the foundation and life in Kenya’s capital city. After the ceremonial opening on November 16 in the presence of distinguished guests, CHANCES* will be on display in the Flo Peters Gallery in Hamburg from November 17 to 27 (admission free). Proceeds from the sale of the photographs will go directly to the Hear the World Foundation.

CHANCES* – the exhibition
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the series of photographs entitled 19 Faces, 19 Chances: Philipp Rathmer uses striking black and white portraits to tell the stories of the pupils at the Joymereen School for children with hearing loss in Nairobi. Additional color photography provides intriguing insights into a city of extremes and the work of the Hear the World Foundation. Sound installations and video sequences from Nairobi turn the exhibition into a true multi-sensory experience. Visitors also have the opportunity to take a quick test to check their own hearing. There is no charge for admission – everyone will have the opportunity to decide whether and how much they would like to contribute to the Hear the World Foundation’s Nairobi project.

Where? Flo Peters Gallery, Chilehaus C, Pumpen 8, D-20095 Hamburg
When? November 17-27, 2011, Tue-Fri 10am-6pm / Sat 11am-3pm

Left without a chance by hearing loss
In developing countries such as Kenya, around 2,000 children are born with impaired hearing every day. There is hardly any help available to them. The consequences, however, are serious: the children have difficulty learning to speak and tend to develop more slowly than appropriate for their age group. Children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, in particular, have no prospects of integration because schools will rarely admit them and they receive no support, meaning that they often live isolated lives, ostracized from society.

A future for children in Nairobi
The Hear the World Foundation was set up by the Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak in 2006 with the aim of helping children reach their developmental milestones and realize their full potential in life regardless of their hearing loss. The Hear the World Foundation has been involved in Nairobi since 2008. Working closely with Lufthansa Cargo, the Hear the World Foundation has set up a hearing center in the Cargo Human Care Medical Center in Nairobi, where Dr. Michaela Fuchs, a German ENT doctor, holds regular free consultations and carries out hearing tests.

The Hear the World Foundation also provides underprivileged children with hearing instruments donated by the Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak. Beneficiaries of these free instruments, which are prohibitively expensive for large parts of the population, include pupils at the Joymereen School for children with hearing loss as well as children in the Mathare Valley, Nairobi’s second-largest slum. To ensure that the children receive long-term medical and audiological care, the Hear the World Foundation has set up a support group together with local and international partners.

A lesson in humility
Back in May 2011, Patrick Nuo visited all the facilities in and around Nairobi supported by the Hear the World Foundation. This gave him a first-hand insight into the foundation’s work and how the children live. He describes his visit: “I have a lot of pleasant and also emotional memories of Nairobi. It wasn’t easy seeing with my own eyes the conditions in which many people, especially children, have to live. And yet many of the children I met were bursting with amazing strength and a real zest for life in spite of their poverty and hearing loss. I found it a great lesson in humility.”

Alexander Zschokke, Chairman of the Board of the Hear the World Foundation, says, “On behalf of the foundation, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Patrick Nuo and Philipp Rathmer for their committed voluntary support. It is people like these that enable us to achieve our mission – giving needy people with hearing loss a better standard of living. I hope that many people will visit the impressive exhibition and will support our work. This will allow us to continue to provide children in Kenya and in other developing countries with better hearing and thus a better quality of life.”





]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:51:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/five-years-of-total-commitment-to-good-hearing.html Five years ago, Hear the World, a global initiative set up by Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer... Five years ago, Hear the World, a global initiative set up by Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, was launched with a big vision in mind: to make the general public aware of the importance of good hearing and the consequences of hearing loss, as well as to inform them about prevention and solutions. Today over 50 celebrity ambassadors around the world support the mission of Hear the World. It was also in 2006 that the Hear the World Foundation, an organization which works to promote equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people with hearing loss, was established. Since its launch, the Foundation has provided sustainable support for projects with a total value of over a million Swiss francs. Furthermore, the HEAR THE WORLD magazine, the first lifestyle magazine dedicated to the subject of hearing, is also celebrating an anniversary with the publication of its 20th issue.

Over 800 million people throughout the world – around 16 percent of the global population – are affected by hearing loss. In Germany alone, experts estimate that around 16 million people are living with some degree of hearing loss. However, far more important than the statistics are the effects of hearing loss for each person affected. Hearing loss means much more than simply poor hearing. People with untreated hearing loss often have to struggle with social isolation, problems in their relationships, disadvantages at work and even depression. Hear the World was launched five years ago to raise public awareness of the underappreciated issue of hearing and to support those affected by it across the world. A glance at some of the highlights from the last five years shows the great success of Hear the World:

Prominent ambassadors who attract attention
Plácido Domingo, Sting, Take That, Bobby McFerrin, Lenny Kravitz, Annie Lennox, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore are just a few of over 50 celebrities who have supported Hear the Word as ambassadors. They have all been photographed by the rock legend and photographer Bryan Adams in the pose synonymous with conscious hearing – with a hand cupped behind the ear. This is a unique sign of support which makes a considerable contribution to increasing public awareness of the issue of hearing.

Events that create awareness
In 2008 and 2009, the spectacular ‘Hear the World Ambassadors’ series of exhibitions with installations in New York, Berlin, Zurich and London caused something of a sensation. In 2010, the first charity gala in aid of the Hear the World Foundation was held in Berlin, raising around EUR 50,000 in donations. This also provided the setting for the presentation of the Hear the World Awards for special services relating to the issue of hearing and hearing loss. In the anniversary year of 2011, the upcoming CHANCES* photo exhibition in Hamburg will be huge highlight: following the formal opening with celebrity guests on November 16, an impressive range of photos, which have been taken as part of the aid project in Nairobi run by the Hear the World Foundation, will be on display in the Flo Peters Gallery until November 27. The proceeds from the sale of the photographs will go directly to the Foundation.

A foundation that offers sustainable support
The Hear the World Foundation was launched in 2006 and particularly provides support for children with hearing loss, to enable them to develop at an appropriate rate for their age. Thus, the Foundation is currently supporting projects in twelve countries worldwide. The support provided since 2006, which now totals more than a million Swiss francs, comes in the form of financial aid or in the implementation of teams working locally. An overview of the Foundation’s work can be found here.

A magazine that sets standards
The HEAR THE WORLD magazine is celebrating its 20th issue with the wonderful actress and Hear the World ambassador Freida Pinto featured on the cover. The first glossy magazine on the subject of hearing has now been bringing its readers closer to the numerous facets and the fascination of hearing for five years and has consistently broken new ground. In the past, the issue of hearing has been viewed in rather a dry, sober way. Now, for the first time, the magazine brings a mix of lifestyle and culture to the issue of hearing. All net profits from the magazine go to the Hear the World Foundation and can be reinvested in projects immediately Hear the World – an awarded initiative.

Over the past five years, Hear the World has successfully raised awareness in the media and among the general public of the previously neglected issue of hearing. This is a success story that has won over 20 prestigious awards for communication and marketing, including the Sabre Awards, PR Week Awards, the Econ Award, the Comprix and the Marketing Trophy.

Among those who have offered their birthday congratulations is Bryan Adams, who, having been a supporter of the initiative right from the start, has made a substantial contribution to the success of Hear the World through his photography: “As a musician, I’m naturally sympathetic to a cause like Hear the World which is dedicated to helping people appreciate and preserve an individual’s sense of sound. Through my photography, I have been able to support this cause and to know that images of artists are being used to convey the message of improvement of hearing for those impaired, makes the Hear the World photos we do together so much stronger. The personal highlights in my five years working with the foundation are many and I am looking forward to many more successful years helping Hear the World to spread its word. Happy Birthday Hear the World!”

“I would like to take this opportunity to express special thanks to all our supporters for their huge level of commitment. Together we have achieved a great deal since the launch of Hear the World, and have been able to make it clear to many people just how important good hearing is for their lives,” says Alexander Zschokke, Interim CEO of Phonak and founder of Hear the World. “But the need for awareness is still as great now as before. And for this reason, we will approach the next five years with plenty of vigor and new ideas. There is still so much to do!”
]]> Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:14:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/the-hear-the-world-foundation-announces-a-call-for-applications-for-the.html The Hear the World Foundation is pleased to announce the third annual Judith Gravel Fellowship in... The Hear the World Foundation is pleased to announce the third annual Judith Gravel Fellowship in Pediatric Audiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in the Department of Otolaryngology at UNC Chapel Hill.

This fellowship was created by the Foundation in 2010 and is named in honor of the late Judy Gravel who passed away in 2009. “Dr. Gravel was internationally renowned for her expertise in pediatric audiology and for her many contributions to clinical research and professional service. She is also remembered for her dedication to the advancement of educational opportunities for students and clinicians,” said Professor  Richard Seewald, a member of the Advisory Board for the Hear the World Foundation; “the Foundation carries on her mission with this fellowship.”

2011-2012 Recipient Ashley Timboe
This year’s recipient is Ashley Timboe, a fourth-year AuD student from the University of Washington, Seattle. Ashley notes that she was initially drawn to working with children following her pediatric rotation at the University of Washington’s Center for Human Development and Disability where she completed an audiology traineeship in the program for Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND). She is now in her fifth month as an extern. “As a Gravel Fellow at UNC Chapel Hill, I am expanding and enhancing my pediatric knowledge base,” said Timboe.  “Working and learning alongside audiologists and physicians who are leaders in their respective fields has been invaluable to my goal of caring for children and their families with the compassion and respect exemplified by Dr. Gravel.”

About the Fellowship
The Gravel Fellowship is awarded each year to a 4th year Doctor of Audiology (AuD) student whose externship will be completed at UNC Hospitals with a focus on audiological management of infants and young children with hearing loss.

For students interested in applying for the 2012 Gravel Fellowship, applications are being accepted now through October 31st, 2011. Applications should be submitted to Judith_Gravel_Award(at)hear-the-world.com. The recipient will be announced by December 31st, 2011.

Application requirements:
• Graduate transcript
• GRE scores
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
• Personal statement conveying interest in the Gravel Fellowship.  Emphasis    
   should be placed on the candidate’s interest in the practice of pediatric
   audiology and clinical research. 
• Resume

]]> Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:43:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/students-affected-by-hearing-loss-explore-the-soundscapes-of-the-grand-canyon.html Today, seventeen teenagers with mixed hearing ability (most with varying degrees of hearing loss)... Today, seventeen teenagers with mixed hearing ability (most with varying degrees of hearing loss) embarked on a five-day river trip in the Grand Canyon National Park as part of the Hear the World Sound Academy: Amplifying the Grand Canyon. Global Explorers, a non-profit educational travel organization, and the Grand Canyon Youth are leading this unique group of Sound Academy students down the river for the learning experience of a lifetime.

Global Explorers partnered with Hear the World, a global initiative by hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, to create the unique sound education program that is all about trust and creative communication, building connections and breaking down barriers, having fun and deepening the students knowledge of hearing loss and sound while navigating through the diverse sound landscape, or soundscape, of the Grand Canyon National Park.

Soundscapes plays a key role in enhancing visitors’ experiences in places like the Grand Canyon. One can usually hear a chirp or the increased flow of water before ever seeing the bird and the river rapids around the corner. These types of sounds, which the National Park Service call “acoustical resources,” face the serious threat of noise pollution. Noise obscures sounds and reduces the listening horizon, so to maintain the maximum experience of the Grand Canyon it is imperative the acoustical resources are protected. 

During the trip, the students will experience the natural and cultural sounds of the Grand Canyon and the importance of hearing preservation while actively working with acoustic scientists to collect sound data for a Natural Sounds Podcast for the National Park Service. For these students, most with some level of hearing loss, this is a chance to discover an entirely new way of looking at sound as a precious resource and hearing as a cherished sense.

The Sound Academy students will be inspired on the trip by Bill Barkeley, a world-class mountain climber and one of the 15,000 people in the United States with Type 2 Usher’s Syndrome – the leading cause of deaf-blindness in the world. Bill’s 2007 summit of Mount Kilimanjaro shattered expectations and confirmed his role as an advocate and inspiration for the hearing loss community.

After the river trip, the Sound Academy student will join Bill as Hear the World ambassadors, applying what they learn on the trip to educate the public about natural sounds and acoustical resource preservation, as well as hearing, hearing loss and hearing prevention through an online campaign and learning tools, like a sound-themed podcast to be used by the National Park Service.

To follow the adventures of the Hear the World Sound Academy down the Grand Canyon, visit the Sound Academy Live Blog here. 

A number of the Sound Academy students received scholarships to participate in the Hear the World Sound Academy from audiologists around the country, including Jones Audiology & Hearing Aid Centers in Fort Worth, TX; Bassett Medical Center Audiology Department in Cooperstown, NY; and Bordenick Audiology in Baltimore, MD.

To learn more about Global Explorers, please visit www.GlobalExplorers.org.

To learn more about Grand Canyon, please visit www.GCYouth.org.

]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/freida-pinto-strikes-the-hear-the-world-pose.html On July 4, the 13th 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece came to a... On July 4, the 13th 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece came to a celebratory end with a moving closing ceremony in Athens. Over the course of ten days, the Greek capital played host to over 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities, who had come from 170 different countries to take part in these historical summer games. During the Special Olympics World Summer Games, these athletes underwent a thorough health screening program, including an in depth hearing screening. The results revealed that 22.6 percent of all the athletes tested were affected by hearing loss. The Hear the World Foundation gave a total of 344 high-quality hearing instruments to the participating athletes with treatable cases of hearing loss, and is arranging free follow-up care.

The Swiss Hear the World Foundation was established in 2006 by Phonak, the leading hearing instrument manufacturer, and is committed to improve the quality of life and promote equal opportunities for people with hearing loss. It is with this in mind that the Foundation chose to lend its support to the Special Olympics, where almost a quarter of the participating athletes are affected by hearing loss. Many of them do not wear a hearing instrument, because they cannot afford one and they do not have access to the necessary medical and audiological care in their home countries.

The Special Olympics Healthy Hearing Program tackled this problem head on by offering the athletes in Athens a comprehensive hearing screening. This service is offered as part of the larger, multidisciplinary Healthy Athletes program, aimed at ensuring access to quality health services for all participating athletes. The Hear the World Foundation supported the program and donated high-quality Phonak hearing instruments, and is organizing free follow-up care in the athletes’ respective home countries. VARTA Microbattery, a leading provider of hearing instrument batteries and a partner of the Hear the World Foundation, is also offering all of the athletes con-cerned a year’s supply of batteries to keep their hearing instruments running.

2,658 athletes underwent a hearing screening.

600 athletes were diagnosed with hearing loss, which equates to 22.6 percent of the Special Olympics athletes.

The Hear the World Foundation supplied a total of 344 high-quality Phonak hearing instruments to 196 athletes from 72 countries, and is organizing follow-up care in their home countries. 40 of these hearing instruments were fitted on site at the Special Olympics, while vouchers for fittings and follow-up care were given out for the remaining 304 hearing instruments.

“We are delighted to have been able to help so many athletes improve their hearing and, therefore, enhance their quality of life,” says Alexander Zschokke, President of the Hear the World Foundation. “As well as being a sporting event, the Special Olympics are the world’s largest health program for people with intellectual disabilities. We are proud to be making a sustainable contribution to this program.”

Various projects around the world
In addition to its cooperation with the Special Olympics, the Hear the World Foundation supports a variety of other projects all over the world in countries such as Kenya, Cambodia and the Dominican Republic. Further information and the application form for those interested in supporting the projects can be found here. ]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:37:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/freida-pinto-strikes-the-hear-the-world-pose-1.html Acclaimed Indian actress and model Freida Pinto is the latest celebrity ambassador captured in the... Acclaimed Indian actress and model Freida Pinto is the latest celebrity ambassador captured in the Hear the World pose – with one hand cupped behind her ear to convey conscious hearing.

Pinto, best-known for her breakout role in the Academy Award winning film Slumbdog Millionaire and who will star in the upcoming Rise of the Planet of the Apes, joins a host of over 50 Hear the World celebrity ambassadors, including Joey McIntyre, Julianne Moore, Josh Groban, Sting and Maggie Gyllenhaal, photographed by musician and photographer Bryan Adams to help raise awareness about the issue of hearing loss.

“The gift of hearing is something I cherish every day,” said Pinto. “It enriches my abilities as an actress and my experiences as a human being."

Hear the World is a global initiative launched by hearing aid manufacturer Phonak to raise awareness about the importance of hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. Hearing loss affects more than 800 million people worldwide, or 16 percent of the world's population, with experts predicting that number to increase to 1.1 billion by 2015. While often undetected or neglected, hearing loss can become a social and emotional barrier for the individuals suffering from it, or the families of those it affects.]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:37:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/the-hear-the-world-foundation-gives-hundreds-of-hearing-instruments-to-2011-special-olympics-athlete.html From June 25 to July 4, Athens, Greece will host more than 7,000 athletes with intellectual... From June 25 to July 4, Athens, Greece will host more than 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 170 countries for the 13th Special Olympics World Summer Games. During the Games, all athletes will receive comprehensive hearing screening as part of their medical check-up. For those athletes showing hearing loss, the Hear the World Foundation will donate hearing instruments with free follow-up care in their home country. The Hear the World Foundation was established in 2006 by leading Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak and is committed to improve the quality of life and promote equal opportunities for people with hearing loss worldwide.

An amazingly high 26 percent of the athletes participating in the Special Olympics have hearing loss. Unfortunately, many do not have hearing instruments. Often the cause is lack of access to medical and audiological care in their home country, or lack of funds. For this reason the Hear the World Foundation donates hundreds of high-quality hearing instruments to the Healthy Hearing Program organized by the Special Olympics.

“We are extremely honored to welcome the Hear the World Foundation into the Special Olympics Movement,” said Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics. “Our athletes represent the most medically underserved population in the world, and the World Games represents the largest health program exclusively for persons with intellectual disabilities. Now, Special Olympics can offer these deserving athletes the health intervention that will have an enormous impact on them, both on and off the playing field.”

Free hearing screening for all athletes
During the Games, all of the athletes will undergo a comprehensive hearing screening as part of their medical check-up. Those who have been identified with hearing loss will receive free hearing instruments and corresponding follow-up care in their home countries – all organized and funded by the Hear the World Foundation. “The advanced technology in modern hearing instruments enables people with hearing loss to significantly enhance their quality of life,” says Alexander Zschokke, Chairman of the Board of the Hear the World Foundation. “We are particularly pleased to be able to offer the athletes at the Special Olympics the chance to improve their hearing and ultimately their quality of life.” In order to ensure that the athletes can enjoy their new hearing instruments year round, VARTA Microbattery, a leading provider of hearing instrument batteries and Partner of the Hear the World Foundation, is providing a year’s supply of batteries for each athlete.

Hear the World Foundation projects around the globe
In addition to its cooperation with the Special Olympics, the Hear the World Founda-tion supports a variety of other projects all over the world, in countries such as Kenya, Cambodia and the Dominican Republic. Further information and the application form for those interested in supporting the projects can be found at www.hear-the-world.com.]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:37:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/formula-one-star-gives-green-light-to-celebrity-health-campaign.html British Formula One racing driver Jenson Button is the latest famous face to give his support to... Hear the World, a global campaign helping to raise awareness about the importance of hearing and the consequences of hearing loss.

The McLaren driver, who won the 2009 World Drivers’ Championship, joins a host of big names including Take That, Jude Law, Elle Macpherson and Annie Lennox who have all been photographed by musician and campaign photographer Bryan Adams holding the Hear the World pose - one hand cupped behind their ear to convey conscious hearing.

Hear the World is now one of the biggest ever celebrity supported health campaign, with 50 high profile celebrities all lending their support to raise awareness about the importance of preserving your sense of sound.

Button said: “The ability to hear well and connect with the world around us can have a huge impact on our quality of life, yet many people don’t understand the risks they expose their ears to every day. It’s essential that people understand the importance of protecting their hearing today to prevent hearing loss in later life, something I am very aware of in my line of work.”

With the sound levels in the cockpit of a Formula 1 racing car measuring around 140 decibels, all drivers wear special ear protection to protect themselves from the considerable noise exposure.

Button continues “Despite the extreme sounds associated with motorsports, I still heavily depend on my hearing to ensure I perform at my best - whether it’s fine tuning the car before the race or communicating with the team on the track. Hearing protection is essential to maintaining a good sense of hearing.”

Spectators at the trackside of a F1 event must withstand high noise levels with the sound of the engines, even at a distance of 15 meters, reaching up to 125 decibels.

Alexander Zschokke, Interim CEO of Phonak, the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer, said: “The roar of the engine is music to the ears of many Formula 1 fans so hearing protection is often an after-thought, something which can have serious consequences. Exposure to noise levels of 100 decibels, even for as little as 15 minutes, is enough to put someone at risk of irreversible hearing damage”.

In the UK an estimated 8.5 million people are affected by hearing loss but struggle for up to 15 years before seeking advice – despite their being a range of effective and sophisticated solutions available. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss can have a significantly negative effect on a person's social, emotional and physical wellbeing. ]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 10:58:00 +0200 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/joey-mcintyre-partners-with-hear-the-world-in-public-service-announcement-about-pediatric-hearing-lo.html Musician Joey McIntyre is the latest famous face to lend his support to Hear the World, a global... Musician Joey McIntyre is the latest famous face to lend his support to Hear the World, a global initiative launched by hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak to raise awareness about the importance of hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. Known worldwide as a member of pop sensation New Kids on the Block, McIntyre will also appear in a Hear the World public service announcement around the importance of pediatric hearing testing and early diagnosis.

After his son Rhys was born with severe hearing loss, McIntyre made it his mission to educate the public about the importance of early diagnosis, as well as solutions available to treat hearing loss in children.

"As a musician, music – and the ability to hear it – is the cornerstone of my life, so when my son was diagnosed with severe hearing loss, I wasn't sure how to handle it," said McIntyre. "Thankfully, because of today's advanced hearing aid technology, I don't have to worry about my son missing a beat. That is why I am honored to join Hear the World in their mission to educate the public about hearing loss and the solutions available to treat it."

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, hearing loss is the number one birth defect in the United States – nearly 33 babies are born every day with permanent hearing loss, 1 in 1.000 have a profound hearing loss and another 2 to 3 in 1.000 have partial hearing loss. Children with hearing loss have increased difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication skills, increased behavioral problems, decreased psychosocial well-being and lower educational attainment compared to children with normal hearing.

"The most critical period for speech and language development is from birth to four years of age, which is why it’s important to recognize the signs of hearing loss in infants and toddlers as early as possible," says Dr. Craig Kasper, Au.D., Chief Audiology Officer at Audio Help Hearing Centers in New York City and spokesperson for Hear the World. "Parents are often the first to sense that their child has a hearing problem. If you suspect that your child may have hearing loss, call your local hearing health professional to set-up a hearing screening and to learn more about available solutions."

McIntyre will join a host of other celebrity ambassadors including Jude Law, Kelly Osbourne, Elle Macpherson, Annie Lennox, Sting and Peter Gabriel. Each ambassador has been photographed by musician and photographer Bryan Adams holding the Hear the World pose – with one hand cupped behind his or her ear to convey conscious hearing.

» Read more about the support of Joey McIntyre for Hear the World
» Information about hearing loss in children]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:24:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/joey-mcintyre-partners-with-hear-the-world-in-public-service-announcement-about-pediatric-hearing-lo-1.html Musician Joey McIntyre is the latest famous face to lend his support to Hear the World, a global... Musician Joey McIntyre is the latest famous face to lend his support to Hear the World, a global initiative launched by hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak to raise awareness about the importance of hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. Known worldwide as a member of pop sensation New Kids on the Block, McIntyre will also appear in a Hear the World public service announcement around the importance of pediatric hearing testing and early diagnosis.

After his son Rhys was born with severe hearing loss, McIntyre made it his mission to educate the public about the importance of early diagnosis, as well as solutions available to treat hearing loss in children.

"As a musician, music – and the ability to hear it – is the cornerstone of my life, so when my son was diagnosed with severe hearing loss, I wasn't sure how to handle it," said McIntyre. "Thankfully, because of today's advanced hearing aid technology, I don't have to worry about my son missing a beat. That is why I am honored to join Hear the World in their mission to educate the public about hearing loss and the solutions available to treat it."]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:24:00 +0100 http://www.hear-the-world.com/fr/about-hear-the-world/news-events/detail/back/19/read/hear-the-world-foundation-publishes-2010-activity-report.html In 2010, the Hear the World Foundation, which was founded in 2006 by the Swiss hearing instrument... In 2010, the Hear the World Foundation, which was founded in 2006 by the Swiss hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, lent its support to ten projects for people with hearing loss all over the world. Its particular focus was on enabling children to regain their sense of hearing. The Foundation’s contribution of more than $200,000 has helped provide hearing instruments and financial support to projects in Switzerland as well as in developing countries.

16 percent of the world’s population suffers from hearing loss and it is estimated that as many as 1.1 billion people may be affected by this by 2015. One in every ten (36 million) Americans has hearing loss. As a result, the Hear the World Foundation was established by Phonak in 2006 to promote equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people suffering from hearing loss all over the world. Particularly, the Foundation promotes projects set up in support of children with hearing loss to enable them to develop at the appropriate rate for their age. Hundreds of children and adults in all have enjoyed the benefits of the support provided by the Hear the World Foundation over the past year. The foundation donated hearing instruments to a total of ten projects and offered a total of $202,233 in financial aid.

Hearing loss: an Existential Issue in Developing Countries
In developing countries in particular, hearing loss presents a critical problem, and if it continues to go untreated, the consequences are serious: for adults, this means ostracism from the working world, while children without a good sense of hearing experience difficulties in learning to speak as well as deficiencies in age-related development.

“Hearing instruments not only enable these children to communicate and integrate into society, they also help improve their ability to follow what they are being taught and make the most of their full learning potential. The aim of our commitment is to help give children affected by hearing loss, especially those in developing countries, the chance to have a worthwhile future,” says Dr. Valentin Chapero, President of the Hear the World Foundation and CEO of Phonak.

More than half of all cases of hearing loss in children could be avoided. In Africa, for example, quinine is often used as a fever-reducing medication for treating malaria, but incorrect dosages of this drug can cause damage to hearing. One of the projects supported by the Hear the World Foundation in 2010 was a Canadian initiative that imparts knowledge and provides practical experience to Ugandan physicians to help them diagnose and treat hearing loss – hearing loss which, in many cases, has been caused by the improper use of quinine. In Uganda, there are currently only 12 ENT specialists available for a population of almost 30 million people, four to eleven percent of whom suffer from hearing loss. More information about this project can be found on page 20 of the Activity Report.

Sustainability is Key
In selecting projects to support, the Hear the World Foundation places a strong emphasis on sustainability. This means, for example, that as well as providing hearing instruments, fittings of these devices, regular follow-up checks by audiologists or medical specialists and a continuous supply of batteries must also be guaranteed. For children in particular, supplementary measures such as speech therapy to ensure speech development at an age-appropriate rate are also often necessary. As part of the “52 Children” project, which was set up in 2010, the Hear the World Foundation selects 52 disadvantaged children per year from all over the world and offers them the chance to improve their hearing. Last summer, a four-year-old boy from Iraq was given specialist assessments, as well as hearing instruments, at the Children’s Hospital Zurich. His follow-up care in Iraq is organized by a local Phonak representative. It is thanks to this support that the boy is now able to learn, as people who cannot hear or have very poor hearing cannot develop this ability to its optimum extent. More information about this project can be found on page 10 of the Activity Report. 

Project Submissions
The Hear the World Foundation accepts submissions of projects that deal with the issue of hearing loss, contribute toward its prevention, work to dispel the stigma of hearing loss or offer concrete support to people affected and their families. The submission period for 2011 is open until January 31, 2011. Further details are available here.

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