Hearo GO stands for Global Outreach. We want to go to the international under-serviced areas and bring in infrastructure, training, create jobs, revenue and donations for those who cannot afford help, to build a self-sustaining long-term local community resource.
Hearing affects people in so many ways: loss can limit children’s educational, social, language and cognitive development, adversely impact employability in adulthood and at any age lead to isolation and separation instead of connection and growth.
20 years ago, Dr. Hilbert, Au.D. started an international missions organization in Africa that is still going strong, and also set up Audiology services as part of a medical outreach to India. I have continued to do outreach in local community throughout my clinical career in Canada. I now want to reach the world with general self-sustaining initiatives including specifically hearing-related ventures like Hear the World or the Starkey Hearing Foundation, but unlike them, to do it with a structured, self-sustaining social enterprise model.
In terms of hearing-related initiatives, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated in their 2018 resolution that hearing health is a major health care focus. Hearing health connects us to each other, our communities, and the world. For those who have hearing loss, appropriate and timely interventions can facilitate access to education, employment, communication and income. Below are some key facts taken from the World Health Organization’s hearing loss fact sheet:
- By 2050 nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.
- Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
- An annual additional investment of less than US$ 1.40 per person is needed to scale up ear and hearing care services globally.
- Over a 10-year period, this promises a return of nearly US$ 16 for every US dollar invested.
- Using resources from my consumer and business initiatives, Hearo and Ossicle, I will be seeking partners for expanding global access to hearing healthcare. I am looking for partners. If you have contacts, ideas, or anything to contribute to this new venture, use the form below to reach out!
If you want to partner with Dr. Hilbert, Au.D. or want him to set up a training program in person or remotely in your country wherever that may be, or even set up a full hearing care service in your area to serve your local community with proceeds going to the community as a self-sustaining social enterprise initiative, please contact us.