Bill Austin named First Goodwill Global Ambassador for Ear and Hearing Health

The event, at which President Bill Clinton spoke, addressed the need for increased national funding, philanthropic support and international foreign aid for ear and hearing health. Mr. Austin, a global philanthropist and founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation, is the first person to be honored with the title.

With his new position, Mr. Austin will work to achieve his life-long mission of aiding and supporting people with hearing loss around the globe. He will also strengthen relationships with community leaders and lawmakers worldwide to increase the accessibility of hearing care for all.

“I am humbled and proud to be honored by the International Federation for Peace & Sustainable Development for my life’s work,” said Mr. Austin. “As Global Ambassador for Ear and Hearing Health, I will continue to advocate for the countless millions of children and adults who suffer from hearing loss and their families. Working closely with Starkey Hearing Foundation and key policy makers in communities around the world, I look forward to enhancing access of hearing care through service delivery, training, capacity building, and research and policy advocacy.”

“I have watched Bill Austin give children and their families the gift of hearing for a long time. Thanks to him, a lot of people have begun to look for answers instead of anger, for empowerment instead of resentment, and for cooperation instead of controversy,” said President Bill Clinton. “This is about way more than hearing. This is about what we want the world of the 21st century to look like,” he added.

“For the past 16 years, we have worked diligently in many countries around the world, especially war-torn countries,” said Founder and President of the International Federation for Peace & Sustainable Development Sally Kader, who presented the award to Mr. Austin. “I was honored witnessing first-hand the miracle of children hearing for first time. The look on their faces when they first heard sound brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of Mr. Austin’s accomplishments and our continued partnership with Starkey Hearing Foundation.”

Source: Starkey Hearing Foundation