Macy's at Dadeland to Feature the Phonak Hear the World Exhibit

STAFA, Switzerland, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hear the World initiative by Phonak will bring the Hear the World Tour - a traveling photography exhibit - to Macy's at Dadeland Mall (Miami, FL) to raise awareness about hearing loss, a growing issue that affects 31 million Americans. After officially joining forces in October 2009, Phonak and Macy's kicked-off a cross-country hearing awareness tour that debuted in Dallas and San Francisco in the fall.

From January 8th through the 21st, Macy's shoppers can receive a free hearing screening and view the internationally-acclaimed photography exhibit featuring the artwork of musician and official Hear the World photographer, Bryan Adams. Adams has photographed several notable musicians and celebrities including Mick Jagger, Billy Idol, Annie Lenox, Diane Kruger, Michael Buble and many others. Each image features the celebrity ambassador with a hand behind an ear in a conscious pose of "hearing."

Local hearing healthcare professionals will also be on-hand to answer any questions and provide educational materials about hearing loss prevention and treatment.

"Phonak is very excited to continue the success of the first leg of the Hear the World tour by bringing the exhibit to some of the largest cities in the US," said Valentin Chapero, CEO of Phonak. "The issue of hearing loss is so often ignored and we are proud to be able to work with Macy's to continue to bring this issue to the forefront."

While often undetected or neglected, hearing loss can become a social and emotional barrier for the individuals suffering from it, or the families of those it affects. Contrary to popular belief, hearing loss is not solely a concern for the elderly. In fact, according to the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), more than 6 million Americans affected are between the ages of 18 to 44.

About Hear the World & Macy's Events

The Hear the World Tour will make its first stop in New York City, NY at Macy's Herald Square from January 6 until January 19, 2010, followed by Macy's Dadeland in Miami, FL from January 8 to January 21, 2010. The last stop of the tour will be at Macy's Center City in Philadelphia, PA from January 27 to February 9, 2010.

To learn more about Hear the World and for the latest event information, visit www.hear-the-world.com/macys, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CanYouHearTheWorld and follow the Hear the World Twitter channel at www.Twitter.com/Hear_The_World.

About Macy's

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy's media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.

About Hear the World

Hear the World is a global initiative by leading hearing system manufacturer Phonak created to raise awareness about the importance of hearing. The initiative calls attention to the social and emotional impact of hearing loss and addresses prevention of and solutions to a problem that affects more than 16% of the world's population. Bryan Adams, Annie Lennox, Lenny Kravitz, Placido Domingo and other renowned personalities support the Hear the World initiative as ambassadors. In the context of the Hear the World initiative, Phonak has established the non-profit Hear the World Foundation to improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss through financial and technical assistance. The foundation is committed to the prevention of hearing loss as well as the support of people with hearing loss and their families.

SOURCE Phonak/Hear the World