Phonak ambassadors spotlight hearing health for the next generation on World Hearing Day

STÄFA, Switzerland, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Phonak, a global leader in innovative hearing solutions, will mark World Hearing Day on March 3 with a global campaign across three continents, putting youth hearing health at the center of the conversation. Together, with its three international ambassadors, Phonak inspires children and teens to protect their hearing, understand the risks of hearing loss, and feel confident to dream big with the support of modern hearing technology.

According to the World Health Organization, around 90 million children aged 5–19 live with hearing loss worldwide. Many cases remain undiagnosed or preventable, with lasting impact on speech and language development, learning, confidence, and social inclusion. This year’s World Hearing Day focuses specifically on the youth and the importance of early action.

Phonak ambassadors are using their voices and platforms to reach the next generation, encouraging them to protect what is precious: their hearing — and reminding young individuals with hearing loss that technology enables them to fully participate in life and pursue their goals without barriers. On World Hearing Day, large-scale digital displays and installations will spotlight the importance of hearing care in iconic public spaces including Antwerp Central Station, Belgium; Shibuya Crossing, Japan; and Times Square, United Sates making their messages visible to millions of people.

Professional basketball player and EuroLeague champion Emma Meesseman will kick off Phonak’s World Hearing Day campaign in Belgium on February 26, encouraging young people to take ownership of their health and build lifelong habits that protect their hearing. “I’m passionate about empowering kids to be their own health advocates,” said Emma.

“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.”

Legendary guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Mr. Big Paul Gilbert brings the message to Japan on February 28, highlighting how musicians and music fans alike must protect their hearing to continue doing what they love.

Through high-impact displays in Shibuya, Paul encourages kids and teens to understand the risks of noise exposure and adopt healthy listening habits, proving that protecting hearing today safeguards tomorrow’s passions.

^{Photo Credit: Mark Mann}

Principal dancer at the New York City Ballet Sara Mearns will star in the campaign in New York City’s Times Square on March 2, sharing a message of confidence. She emphasizes that hearing challenges should never limit ambition and that today’s hearing technology enables people to stay connected, confident, and fully engaged in life.

“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 Oliver Frank, Vice President of Phonak Marketing. “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.”

Together, Phonak and its ambassadors share one message:

Never stop dreaming. Care for your hearing.

To learn more about Phonak’s World Hearing Day campaign and meet Phonak ambassadors, visit https://www.phonak.com/en-int/meet-our-ambassadors

Follow the ambassadors on Instagram: @emma_meesseman @paulgilbert_official @saramearns

Phonak Media relations contact:

Global Florence Camenzind Phone +41 79 538 7131 Email Florence.camenzind@sonova.com

Moon Vitiello Phone +1 331 219 2535 Email moon.vitiello@sonova.com

To access the media kit, visit this page.
Accompanying billboard videos will be available on the same page beginning February 26.

About Phonak
life is on. Since 1947, Phonak has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss. Seventy-five years later, our passion for creating life-changing hearing solutions that help people thrive physically, socially, and emotionally remains. By offering the industry’s broadest portfolio of hearing solutions, we’re committed to creating a world where “life is on” for everyone.

At Phonak, innovation is not limited to products. We work to change the conversations surrounding people with hearing loss. We do this by fighting the stigma of hearing aids and creating an understanding of how hearing is connected to the broader context of healthy living.

About Sonova
Sonova is a global leader in innovative hearing care solutions: from personal audio devices and wireless communication systems to audiological care services, hearing aids and cochlear implants. The Group was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland. Sonova operates through four businesses – Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing and Cochlear Implants – and the core brands Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, Sennheiser (under license) and Advanced Bionics as well as recognized regional brands. The Group’s globally diversified sales and distribution channels serve an ever-growing consumer base in more than 100 countries. In the 2024/25 financial year, the Group generated sales of CHF 3.9 billion, with a net profit of CHF 547 million. Around 18,000 employees are working on achieving Sonova’s vision of a world where everyone enjoys the delight of hearing.

Sonova has a long-standing commitment to innovation and was ranked no. 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025 by Fortune magazine, selected from 300 companies across 21 countries and 16 industries. For more information, please visit www.sonova.com

About World Health Organization

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.
WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age. Our Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes.

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