#Kenya #Nairobi #Starkey Hearing Foundation #WFA model #Hearing Healthcare

Starkey Hearing Foundation's Landmark Summit in Kenya

In early April, the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, became the backdrop for a historic gathering of over 100 dedicated hearing healthcare professionals. These individuals, trained by the Starkey Hearing Foundation's extensive programs, traveled from across Africa and the Philippines to share insights, experiences, and the unifying goal of enhancing the gift of hearing in their communities.

Held from April 4 to 6, 2025, the Starkey Hearing Foundation Champions Alumni Summit marked a significant moment in the ongoing journey of these professionals. This three-day event served not only as a reunion for global alumni of the Starkey Hearing Institute’s training programs but also as a platform for inspiration, collaboration, and action-oriented discussions.

The summit revitalized its participants with an array of engaging activities, including workshops, discussions about common challenges, and presentations that highlighted the decade-long impact they’ve made using the WFA® (World Federation of the Deaf) model. Attendees had the chance to share hundreds of compelling stories, illustrating how improved hearing has reshaped lives and communities.

Muhammad Kyesirkidde, a proud graduate of the Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia, noted the significant change in public attitudes towards hearing aids in Uganda, thanks to the WFA® model. "What makes us different is that we can serve patients even outside the clinic," Kyesirkidde explained, emphasizing how the model has shifted the mindset around hearing care services in his country. This approach not only changes lives but is pivotal in combating the stigma surrounding hearing impairments.

The Starkey Hearing Institute has been at the forefront of empowering aspiring hearing healthcare professionals worldwide since its inception in 2016, when the first campus opened in Lusaka, Zambia. Over the years, it has equipped 123 graduates from 19 African nations with a comprehensive education in hearing healthcare, intertwining practical skills with community outreach strategies. Currently, 22 students are enrolled in this year's program, with prospects for future cohorts expanding as plans for additional programs, such as Starkey Hearing Institute Latin America, are on the horizon.

The initiative has recently formed a partnership with the prestigious University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, broadening its global reach. The inaugural cohort of 28 students graduated in 2024, with another 38 currently in training, paving the way for a sustainable future for hearing healthcare demonstrations.

As the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the significant lack of trained hearing healthcare professionals globally, particularly in the African region, the Starkey Hearing Foundation's programs are becoming increasingly vital. Predictions indicate that the number of individuals with hearing loss in Africa alone could skyrocket from 136 million to 337 million by 2050, underscoring the urgent need for expanded access to professional care.

Richard S. Brown, President and Board Chair of Starkey Hearing Foundation, expressed pride in the program's impact and achievements. "Each graduate is a champion in their community, delivering essential hearing healthcare services that might otherwise be inaccessible. It is humbling to witness how our graduates have grown into local leaders, nurturing lasting support and compassion for their neighbors."

As Starkey Hearing Foundation continues to pave pathways for hearing healthcare professionals, the last summit marked a celebration of resilience and hope, reminding attendees of their instrumental roles in shaping a future where everyone has access to the gift of hearing. The foundation's commitment to enhancing lives is not only commendable but necessary in addressing the global hearing healthcare crisis.

For more information about Starkey Hearing Foundation and their impactful programs, visit Starkey Hearing Foundation.