Audiologist Rory is on a mission

An audiologist from Macclesfield is flying out to Armenia on a hearing mission.

Rory Kewney, from Transform Hearing, on Eastgate, has been chosen to take part in the mission by Starkey Hearing Foundation. Joining 14 other hearing audiologists from across the UK and Ireland – and a six-strong team from the hearing device manufacturer’s European headquarters in Stockport – Rory will travel 2,400 miles to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

Rory’s visit is part of the worldwide Starkey Hearing Foundation initiative, to provide over 1.9 million hearing devices in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to give the gift of hearing to those in need, helping them to achieve their potential. High-profile supporters include Sir Richard Branson, Bill Clinton and Sir Elton John.

Starkey made an initial visit to Armenia last summer to carry out hearing screening tests and take ear impressions to identify recipients. Then in October, the mission flew out to Armenia on phase one of the project to fit over 1800 people with hearing devices and to provide them with that all-important aftercare. Rory will join this week’s visit to further build upon the very important work already undertaken.

He said: “I’m very much looking forward to going to Armenia and am delighted to have been chosen to play a role in this very worthwhile mission.

“There is still so much work to be done there. Providing access to hearing care opens up a whole new world of opportunity. It connects individuals to life and helps them accomplish more than they ever thought possible – bridging gaps at school, work and in life for both children and adults with hearing loss. Our aim is to establish an ongoing community based hearing service in Yerevan.”

According the World Health Organisation, more than 360 million people have disabling hearing loss, with the greatest number living in developing countries. Unfortunately, less than three per cent can afford hearing aids or access to care.

For further information, visit http://www.starkey.co.uk, https://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/ and http://www.transformhearing.com/.