Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

BIG NAMES LINE UP TO SUPPORT NEW CAMPAIGN

Placido Domingo, Bryan Adams, Joss Stone and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra are all lining up to support Hear the World – a new global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of hearing.

The world famous musicians have teamed up to spread the message about the need to look after your hearing as well as to try and help people understand the impact of living with hearing loss and the help available to ensure people get the most from their hearing.

Central to the initiative, which has been launched by hearing aid manufacturers Phonak, is the Hear the World foundation which will provide funding and support to charitable organisations, scientific studies and private projects aimed at helping the 500 million hearing impaired people worldwide.

In the UK approximately nine million people - that’s one in seven - suffer with a hearing impairment with this figure expected to rise dramatically as the population ages and noise pollution increases. By 2015 it is estimated that 700 million people worldwide will have a hearing impairment - the equivalent to the amount of people who use the internet.

Bryan Adams, singer and official photographer for the initiative, says: “I am interested in the goals that Hear the World is trying to achieve. As a musician, I’m naturally sympathetic to a cause whose purpose is to help appreciate and preserve an individual’s sense of sound.”

For more info about the Hear the World campaign, the celebrity ambassadors, advice about protecting your hearing or how you and the campaign could work together please visit www.hear-the-world.com.


Issued by:Pegasus Public Relations

On behalf of:Phonak (Hear the World)

Press enquiries:David Greenwood / Chris Webb (01903) 821550

Email:dgreenwood@pegasuspr.co.uk

May 2007