WARRENVILLE, Ill., Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- John Legend, Harry Belafonte, Sting, Billy Idol: these are just a few of the many stars who have had their photos taken for the 2013 Hear the World calendar. Pictured with one hand behind the ear – the distinctive Hear the World pose synonymous with conscious hearing – they help raise awareness of a much-neglected issue: the vital importance of good hearing and the serious consequences of hearing loss. All proceeds from the sale of the calendars will go to projects supported by the charitable Hear the World Foundation, which runs a global campaign to help people in need as a result of hearing loss. The calendar is now available to buy in a limited edition from www.hear-the-world.com at a price of $38.35 (EUR 29.90/CHF 34.90) – the perfect holiday present for people who want to give an aesthetic gift and help a good cause in the process.    

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121130/CG21302-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121130/CG21302-b)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121130/CG21302-c)

The Hear the World Foundation is campaigning for a world where everyone has a chance to experience good hearing. It focuses particularly on providing aid for children with hearing loss, to enable them to develop at an appropriate rate for their age. Since 2006, Hear the World has supported more than 45 projects across five continents and has already given hundreds of people with hearing loss the chance to enjoy a better quality of life.

Anyone can now get involved in the foundation's mission by buying the 2013 Hear the World calendar. This unique collection of striking photo portraits is both a work of art and an appeal for support, with the monthly images of stars drawing attention to the importance of good hearing. Among the notable personalities pictured are Harry Belafonte, Sting, Billy Idol and John Legend. All the photographs are by Bryan Adams. All of the stars have volunteered their time to be photographed for the cause.

Hearing loss – a neglected issue
Hearing loss is an issue that is still largely overlooked, even though the figures convey a clear message: over 630 million people across the world are affected by hearing loss[1], and around half of these cases could have been avoided if preventive measures had been taken[2]. Some 665,000 children are born with significant hearing loss every year[3], with serious consequences: children whose hearing loss goes untreated have difficulty learning to speak, which severely restricts their chances of obtaining a school education and developing at an age-appropriate rate – especially in developing countries.

The focus of the foundation's work
The work of the Hear the World Foundation focuses on a number of key areas, such as the provision of audiological care for children in need as a result of hearing loss. Other areas in which the foundation is involved include prevention and education, science and research, and providing training for hearing care professionals and for parental self-help groups.

About the Hear the World Foundation
By supporting the charitable Hear the World Foundation, Sonova is campaigning for equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people with hearing loss. As a leading manufacturer of hearing systems, the company feels socially responsible for contributing towards a world where everyone has the chance to enjoy good hearing. For instance, the Hear the World Foundation supports disadvantaged people with hearing loss around the world and gets involved in prevention and providing information. It focuses particularly on projects for children with hearing loss, to enable them to develop at the appropriate rate for their age. More than 60 famous ambassadors, including celebrities such as Placido Domingo, Annie Lennox, Sting and Joss Stone, champion the Hear the World Foundation. For further information, go to www.hear-the-world.com.  Connect with us at http://www.facebook.com/CanYouHearTheWorld

[1] Source: WHO, The global burden of disease: 2004 update (2008)
[2] Source: WHO, Factfile Deafness (2006)
[3] Source: Unicef (2004) 

SOURCE Hear the World