FAMILY HEARING CARE CENTER

Musician/photographer captures celebrity images for non-profit hearing awareness initiative

New York, New York (May 1, 2008) Bryan Adams, famed musician and official photographer of the Hear the World initiative, today introduced his photography collection of Hear the World Ambassadors in an interactive exhibit. The opening is timed to celebrate the beginning of Better Hearing and Speech Month.

Hear the World is a global initiative raising awareness about the importance of good hearing and the impact of hearing loss. For the Hear the World exhibit, Adams has photographed several notable musicians including Mick Jagger, Amy Winehouse, Plcido Domingo, Joss Stone, Lindsay Lohan, Annie Lennox, Michael Bubl and many others. Each image features a celebrity ambassador in a conscious pose of hearing.

Because music is a universal language that goes beyond geographical, social and linguistic boundaries, it is the chosen medium to spread the message of Hear the World. The initiative was launched in 2006 by innovative hearing device manufacturer Phonak. As part of the initiative, the Hear the World Foundation was set up to provide support to those with hearing loss around the world. Im excited to lend my support to such an important cause, said Adams. As a musician, Im naturally sympathetic to an initiative dedicated to helping people appreciate and preserve an individuals sense of sound. I hope this exhibit helps to remind people of the tremendous value of their hearing.

To make the Hear the World Ambassadors exhibit a listening experience the exhibit will also feature interactive sound elements, such as a sound art installation in which visitors can participate. Additionally, visitors will be able to screen their hearing at free testing stations located throughout the venue.

The exhibit will be open free to the public for two weeks in New Yorks Meatpacking District at 413-415 W. 14th Street. After it closes in New York, the Hear the World Ambassadors exhibit will travel to Berlin and Zurich. The photos will be auctioned off online at www.hear-the-world.com/exhibition, with the net proceeds going to the Hear the World Foundation. Visitors to the website will also be able to test their hearing via an online hearing test.

Bryan has devoted a tremendous amount of time and talent to help Hear the World raise awareness about the issue of hearing loss, said Valentin Chapero, CEO of Phonak. Were lucky to have him as a partner in our efforts. Its our hope that the public will find the exhibit enjoyable, informative and engaging.

In addition to his work with Hear the World, Adams has photographed individuals from around the globe. Adamss work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar and his own magazine, Zoo.

About Better Hearing and Speech Month

In recognition of Better Hearing and Speech Month, Hear the World is also sponsoring free hearing screenings in markets around the country throughout the month of May.

• Miami Thursday, May 15 the Mayor of Miami, Matti Bower, will proclaim Hear the World Day and encourage residents to visit the Hear the World screening site on 16th Street & Lincoln Road
  
  
• Seattle Saturday, May 17 Hear the World will help the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum celebrate Family Day by hosting free hearing screenings outside the museum on 5th Avenue
  
  
• Houston Monday, May 19 Mayor Bill White will proclaim May 19 Hear the World Day for the city of Houston; the Hear the World screening site will be located in Downtown Houston on Travis Street, between Preston & Congress
  
  
• San Diego Wednesday, May 28 The San Diego Padres will host Hear the World at Petco Park to conduct screenings outside of the ball park prior to that evenings game
  
  
• Denver Friday, May 30 Hear the World will host free screenings on Tremont Street, near the 16th Street outdoor mall

About Hear the World

Hear the World is a global initiative by hearing device manufacturer Phonak created to raise awareness about the importance of hearing. The initiative calls attention to the social and emotional impact of hearing loss and addresses prevention of and solutions to a problem that affects more than 10% of the worlds population. Through the Hear the World Foundation, Phonak supports charitable organizations and projects focused on helping people with hearing loss.

For more information, please visit www.hear-the-world.com

For more information on Phonak, please visit www.phonak.com.

Taken from www.hear-the-world.com

Photos courtesy of Ray Stubblebine