The Starkey Foundation – A Legacy of Sound

Mr. William F. Austin established the Starkey Hearing Foundation in 1984 in Minnesota, USA, driven by a commitment to bring the gift of hearing to those in need. This foundation emerged from Austin’s personal pledge to transform the lives of hearing-impaired individuals across all age groups – children, teenagers, and adults alike.

Through innovative programs like ‘Listen Carefully,’ the foundation has educated communities about hearing science and the harmful effects of excessive noise exposure. Over five decades of dedicated service, Starkey has built a comprehensive support system for the hearing-impaired community. The organization has chronicled its impact through a collaboration with Operation Change, creating documentary series that showcase the foundation’s global influence and success stories.

The Starkey Foundation – Achievements and Recognition

As a distinguished member of the Clinton Global Initiative, the Starkey Foundation has committed to distributing over one million hearing aids within this decade. The organization’s annual flagship event, the ‘So the World May Hear Awards’ gala, celebrates individuals who have dedicated themselves to supporting the hearing-impaired community and fostering a more compassionate world.

This prestigious ceremony has welcomed remarkable honorees including President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush, Sir Richard Branson, Forest Whitaker, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe – all recognized for their contributions to this vital cause.

Our Educational Initiative

In pursuit of Starkey’s vision for a world where everyone can hear, we have launched an innovative educational program specifically designed for hearing-impaired children. Our specialized institution, Listening Ears School, provides comprehensive services including early intervention programs, speech rehabilitation therapy, and fundamental educational curricula tailored for these exceptional students.

The Starkey Education Initiative extends beyond traditional teaching methods – it focuses on empowering children to embrace life with joy and confidence, preparing them for a bright and self-assured future.