Phonak Champions Youth Hearing Health with Global World Hearing Day Initiative
In a significant move to address a growing public health concern, Phonak, a leading global innovator in hearing solutions, is launching an expansive international campaign timed with World Hearing Day on March 3. The initiative strategically focuses on children and adolescents, aiming to elevate awareness about hearing protection, the risks associated with hearing loss, and the empowering role of modern hearing technology.
Addressing a Critical Youth Health Issue
According to data from the World Health Organization, approximately 90 million children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 worldwide are living with hearing loss. A substantial number of these cases are either preventable or go undiagnosed, leading to profound long-term consequences for speech development, educational attainment, self-confidence, and social integration. This year's World Hearing Day theme directly targets this demographic, underscoring the vital importance of early intervention and proactive hearing care.
Ambassadors Drive the Message Across Continents
Phonak has enlisted three high-profile international ambassadors to spearhead this campaign, using their influential platforms to connect with younger audiences. The ambassadors are tasked with inspiring youth to safeguard their hearing and demonstrating that hearing challenges need not be a barrier to achieving one's dreams.
Emma Meesseman, a professional basketball player and EuroLeague champion, initiated the campaign in Belgium on February 26. She is passionately advocating for young people to become proactive advocates for their own health. "I'm passionate about empowering kids to be their own health advocates," Meesseman stated. "They can make smart choices early, especially when it comes to their hearing. I'm proud to use my platform to raise awareness about hearing loss and reduce the stigma around it."
Paul Gilbert, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Mr. Big, will bring the campaign to Japan on February 28. His focus is on the critical need for both musicians and music enthusiasts to protect their hearing to sustain their passions. Through impactful displays in Tokyo's iconic Shibuya Crossing, Gilbert will educate teens about the risks of noise exposure and promote healthy listening habits.
Sara Mearns, principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, will be the face of the campaign in New York City's Times Square on March 2. She will share a powerful message of confidence and ambition. Mearns emphasizes that hearing difficulties should never limit one's aspirations and that contemporary hearing technology enables individuals to remain fully connected, confident, and engaged in all aspects of life.
Global Visibility in Iconic Locations
To maximize reach, Phonak's campaign will feature large-scale digital displays and installations in some of the world's most frequented public spaces. These include Antwerp Central Station in Belgium, Shibuya Crossing in Japan, and Times Square in the United States. These strategic locations are expected to make the hearing health message visible to millions of passersby, transforming public awareness on a massive scale.
A Commitment to Public Health Priority
Oliver Frank, Vice President of Marketing at Phonak, expressed the company's dedication to this cause. "At Phonak, we are proud that Emma, Paul, and Sara are using their visibility and influence to bring hearing health into everyday conversations worldwide," said Frank. "By placing this message in global landmarks, we want as many people as possible to recognize that hearing care is not optional, it is a public health priority, especially for our next generation."
This comprehensive campaign represents a concerted effort to shift the narrative around hearing health, particularly for youth, by combining celebrity influence, cutting-edge technology awareness, and widespread public engagement to foster a future where hearing loss is proactively managed and no longer a source of limitation.
