Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrates a Decade of Impact in Zambia with New Graduates and Expanded Campus

Celebrating a Decade of Transformative Hearing Care in Zambia

LUSAKA, Zambia — Starkey Hearing Foundation recently commemorated a significant milestone, marking the 10th anniversary of the Starkey Hearing Institute. The event not only celebrated the institute's accomplishments but also introduced a wave of new graduates who are set to improve the hearing healthcare landscape in Africa.

The festivities spanned several days and highlighted crucial initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility to hearing care. Central to this week's celebration was the unveiling of an expanded dormitory on campus, nearly doubling the institute's student accommodation capacity. This expansion facilitates the growing number of health professionals trained to provide essential hearing services across the continent.

A Tribute to Graduates and Community Impact

The celebration reached its peak during the graduation ceremony for 24 new hearing healthcare professionals, which attracted alumni and notable guests including representatives from Zambia's Ministry of Health and renowned musician and philanthropist Innoss'B. Richard S. Brown, the President and Board Chair of Starkey Hearing Foundation, emphasized the importance of the moment: "This milestone celebration, shared with our graduates, alumni, and devoted supporters, encapsulates our mission as we continue to actively provide care. We're incredibly proud of all we've achieved over the last decade and look forward to making an even bigger impact."

Since its inception in 2015, the Starkey Hearing Institute has trained 147 professionals, coming from 19 different African nations. These graduates leave equipped to deliver high-quality hearing services to tens of thousands annually, playing a pivotal role in tackling hearing impairment.

Addressing Global Hearing Loss Challenges

The Institute operates based on the WFA® Community-Based Hearing Healthcare Model, which aims to fortify health systems, broaden access to essential services, and nurture local leaders who can sustain these initiatives. The advancements made in Zambia have inspired similar programs in other countries, with new institutes established in the Philippines and El Salvador. Plans for further development are already in motion.

Currently, over 430 million people globally suffer from disabling hearing loss, and this concern is only set to escalate, especially in Africa where the number could rise from 136 million to 337 million by 2050. A significant barrier to addressing this crisis is the lack of adequately trained professionals, which is a pivotal focus of the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

This community-driven approach ensures that sustainable training solutions are implemented, creating a ripple effect across communities and regions. For many, the work of the Starkey Hearing Institute is critical in ensuring that effective hearing care is not only accessible but also sustainable.

Paving the Way for Future Generations

Starkey Hearing Foundation remains resolute in its mission to train the next generation of hearing healthcare providers, maintaining a legacy that has already transformed the lives of over 1.5 million individuals across more than 100 countries. Founded over 40 years ago by William and Tani Austin, the foundation is committed to establishing long-lasting systems that will provide reliable hearing healthcare for generations to come.

As the celebration concludes, the Starkey Hearing Foundation looks forward to building on its achievements, ensuring that the world may hear louder and clearer.