This week, a team of audiologists from Starkey Hearing Technologies, in Hazel Grove, Stockport is returning to Armenia on their third hearing mission.
The five-strong team from the hearing device manufacturer includes Helen Whipday, Margaret Black and Julie Adshead from the sales team. Joined by two members of the European HQ operations team and 14 volunteer audiologists from across the UK and Ireland, they’ll all travel some 2,400 miles to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, on Friday.
The team’s visit is part of the worldwide Starkey Hearing Foundation initiative, which has provided over 1.9 million hearing devices in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to give the gift of hearing to those in need, helping them to achieve their potential. High-profile supporters include Richard Branson, Bill Clinton and Elton John.
During Starkey Hearing Technologies’ previous visits in 2017, the mission worked closely with local teams to help fit more than 1800 Armenians with hearing devices.
Last June they carried hearing screening tests and took ear impressions to identify candidates. Then in October, The Starkey mission team returned to fit the hearing instruments, counsel patients and support them with what is all-important aftercare. This month’s visit will further build upon the work already undertaken. Starkey UK Managing Director, Roger Lewin, said: “Meeting the people of Yerevan and those helping them on the ground is always a truly humbling, inspiring and worthwhile experience.
“This will be the third visit for some of the team, but there is still so much work to be done. It goes without saying that the team are really looking forward to returning, yet again, to give what is without a doubt the gift of better hearing to more people who really need it.
“Providing access to hearing care opens up a whole new world of opportunity. It connects individuals to life and helps them accomplish more than they ever thought possible – bridging gaps at school, work and in life for both children and adults with hearing loss. Our aim is to establish an ongoing community based hearing service in Yerevan.”
According the World Health Organisation, more than 360 million people have disabling hearing loss, with the greatest number living in developing countries. Unfortunately, less than three per cent can afford hearing aids or access to care.