Deepak Jagota will join 14 other hearing audiologists from across the UK and Ireland and a six-strong team from the hearing device manufacturer’s European headquarters. They will travel 2,400 miles to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, on Friday 25th May.

Deepak’s visit is part of the worldwide Starkey Hearing Foundation initiative, which has provided 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 Richard Branson, Bill Clinton and Elton John.

During Deepak’s previous visit in 2017, the mission worked closely with local teams to help improve the hearing health of more than 1,700 Armenians. It followed on from an earlier visit by Starkey, when hearing screening tests were carried out and ear impressions taken to identify candidates.

In October, Deepak and the hearing mission fitted the hearing instruments, counselled patients and supported them with what is all-important aftercare. This month’s visit will further build upon the work already undertaken.

Deepak said: ““It was a privilege to go to Armenia for the very first Starkey UK mission last year. I will never forget the happy faces, hugs and blessings I received.

“This will be my second visit, but there is still so much work to be done. It goes without saying that I am delighted to be able to return to Armenia. I feel so blessed to give what is without a doubt the gift of better hearing to more people who really need it.

“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 and https://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/.

May 18, 2018