Phonak and Hear the World Foundation to Partner with Special Olympics California to Support Athletes with Hearing Loss

Phonak, a provider of hearing instruments and the Hear the World Foundation have partnered with Special Olympics to help support the hearing needs among athletes.

According to a release, the Healthy Hearing Screening Program part of the broader Healthy Athletes initiative sponsored by Special Olympics is a critical initiative aimed at providing needed hearing healthcare to this medically underserved population. Nearly 30 percent of Special Olympics athletes are found to have hearing loss, but many have not had viable access to hearing healthcare until now.

During key Special Olympic competitions around the country, athletes undergo an onsite hearing screening as part of the Healthy Hearing program. Nearly one in three Special Olympics athletes in the United States fail a hearing screening. From there, Special Olympics works with hearing healthcare professionals to provide further hearing testing. For those that need hearing solutions, Phonak and the Hear the World Foundation make sure that they receive hearing aids free of charge. Until now, many have never had their hearing tested or have been unable to afford hearing aids due to a lack of health insurance or access to care in general.

Phonak employees travel to the Games each year to help conduct hearing screenings and volunteer in the sports competitions.

Sonova supports the Hear the World Foundation. Phonak is a member of Sonova Group.

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