The campaign uses international ambassadors to promote hearing health awareness in major public venues in the US, Belgium, and Japan.

Phonak will mark World Hearing Day on March 3 with a global campaign centered on youth hearing health. The initiative will feature three international ambassadors in campaigns across three continents, aiming to inspire children and teens to protect their hearing and understand the benefits of modern hearing technology.

The campaign aligns with this year’s World Hearing Day focus on youth and the importance of early action. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 90 million children aged 5 to 19 live with hearing loss worldwide, with many cases being undiagnosed or preventable.

Principal dancer at the New York City Ballet Sara Mearns will star in the campaign in New York City’s Times Square on March 2, sharing a message of confidence.
Principal dancer at the New York City Ballet Sara Mearns will star in the campaign in New York City’s Times Square on March 2, sharing a message of confidence. Photo: Mark Mann

The campaign will use large-scale digital displays in high-traffic public spaces, including Times Square in the US, Shibuya Crossing in Japan, and Antwerp Central Station in Belgium. The ambassadors leading the campaign are professional basketball player Emma Meesseman, guitarist Paul Gilbert, and New York City Ballet principal dancer Sara Mearns. Each will share messages focused on hearing protection, healthy listening habits, and empowerment for those with hearing challenges.

Legendary guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Mr. Big, Paul Gilbert, highlights how musicians and music fans alike must protect their hearing to continue doing what they love.
Paul Gilbert, Global Brand Ambassador for Phonak, shot for World Hearing Day 2026 at Cobalt Studios in Portland, Oregon, USA. Photo by Jason Quigley.

“At Phonak, we are proud that Emma, Paul, and Sara are using their visibility and influence to bring hearing health into everyday conversations worldwide,” says Oliver Frank, vice president of Phonak marketing, in a release. “By placing this message in global landmarks, we want as many people as possible to recognize that hearing care is not optional, it is a public health priority, especially for our next generation.”

Emma Meesseman kicked off the campaign in Belgium, encouraging young people to build lifelong habits to protect their hearing. “I’m passionate about empowering kids to be their own health advocates,” Meesseman says in the release. “They can make smart choices early, especially when it comes to their hearing.”

Professional basketball player and EuroLeague champion Emma Meesseman, a Phonak ambassador, posing with a girl holding a basketball
Professional basketball player and EuroLeague champion Emma Meesseman, a Phonak ambassador, kicked off Phonak’s World Hearing Day campaign in Belgium on February 26, encouraging young people to take ownership of their health and build lifelong habits that protect their hearing.

The overall message from Phonak and its ambassadors is: “Never stop dreaming. Care for your hearing.”

To learn more about Phonak’s World Hearing Day campaign and meet Phonak ambassadors, visit https://www.phonak.com/en-int/meet-our-ambassadors