Harry Belafonte, Amy Winehouse join Plácido Domingo, Joss Stone and others in support of Hear the World
Celebrities pose for musician and photographer Bryan Adams to raise awareness about the importance of hearing and the issue of hearing impairment
Stäfa, Switzerland (October 24th 2007) - Hear the World is a non-profit initiative launched by hearing device manufacturer Phonak to educate the public about the importance of good hearing, the social and emotional implications of hearing loss, and the available solutions for those with hearing impairment.
"I'm interested in the goals that Hear the World is trying to achieve," Adams said. "As a musician, I'm naturally sympathetic to a cause dedicated to help people appreciate and preserve an individual's sense of sound."
While hearing loss is one of the world's most preventable disabilities, it is also one of the most common. 500 million people worldwide, more than 10 percent of the world's population, are hearing impaired; the number is expected to increase to 700 million by the year 2015. In the U.S., more than 31.5 million people experience some degree of hearing loss. There are especially more and more younger people affected by hearing loss. Studies have shown that a hearing disability can have a significant negative effect on a person's social, emotional and physical wellbeing.
"Good hearing is extremely important," said Belafonte. "It has a lot of impact on personality. I noticed [when my hearing got worse] that my voice changed, and I had to speak more loudly. People thought that I was speaking more aggressively, and I didn't mean to be aggressive at all. I just think people should be very, very conscious and protective of their hearing."
Many of the images have appeared in Hear the World magazine, a quarterly lifestyle publication that is devoted to the culture of hearing. The current cover is graced by Harry Belafonte. Always linking content to the topic of hearing and sound, the magazine's features focus on a broad range of topics, from music, to art, to nature - the things that makes life more beautiful. The magazine is supported by the global Hear the World initiative. Net proceeds of the magazine go to the Hear the World Foundation which supports charitable organizations and projects focused on helping hearing impaired people.
Adams has photographed individuals from around the globe: in addition to his work being featured in such magazines as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar and his own magazine, Zoo, Adams recently released a book of portraits with Calvin Klein entitled "American Women," with all proceeds going to charity.
Hear the World magazine is available at select newsstands, in business hotels and at airports internationally, is published on a quarterly basis and costs $8 per issue.
Readers can order a free copy or subscribe to Hear the World magazine by visiting www.hear-the-world.com.
About Hear the World
Hear the World is a global initiative by hearing device manufacturer Phonak created to raise awareness about the importance of hearing. The initiative calls attention to the social and emotional impact of hearing loss and addresses prevention of and solutions to a problem that affects more than 10% of the world's population.
Some of the world-renowned musicians who support Hear the World include tenor and conductor Plácido Domingo, Bryan Adams, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Joss Stone, Harry Belafonte, Moby, Amy Winehouse and Common. Through the Hear the World Foundation, Phonak supports charitable organizations and projects focused on helping hearing impaired people.
For more information, please visit www.hear-the-world.com or you may also visit the Phonak Web Channel on Audiology Online.
