Starkey Hearing Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hearing Angel Mission?

Our mission is to open a world of sound and possibility for children around the globe through the gift of hearing.

What is a Hearing Angel?

You can become a Hearing Angel by making a difference the hearing lives of children in need at home and around the globe. Every dollar you give goes to the Starkey Hearing Foundation to help children here and around the globe who cannot afford proper hearing care. The impact of your gift is profound. Many of these children live in impoverished situations, many are orphaned and do not attend school. The gift of hearing opens up not only a world of sound, but a world of possibilities for these children.

What is the Starkey Hearing Foundation?

The Starkey Hearing Foundation was started in 1984 by the founder, William F. Austin with a simple premise: Alone we can't do much. But, together we can change the world. With So the World May Hear as his goal, Mr. Austin built an organization upon this vision.

Today the Foundation is sustained by the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors around the world. Your support as a Hearing Angel allows us to deliver more thousands of hearing aids annually through more than 100 hearing missions a year in countries stretching from the U.S. to Vietnam.

In addition to giving the gift of hearing, the Foundation promotes hearing health awareness while supporting research and education.

Where does my donation go?

Every dollar you give goes to the Starkey Hearing Foundation to fund our missions and bring the gift of hearing to people in need in the United States and around the world.

By simply making a periodic donation to the foundation, you become a part of our mailing list and stay up-to-date with our latest news and forthcoming opportunities. By donating and submitting your contact information and e-mail address you will also receive our quarterly newsletter.

Is my donation tax deductable?

Yes. The Starkey Hearing Foundation is a 501(c) non-profit organization registered with the Federal Government.

If you would like more information regarding our annual report click here. To view current federal 990 form click here.

How many hearing aids have been donated?

Since 2000, Starkey Hearing Foundation has donated more than 383,282 hearing instruments with people in need across the globe. From the United States, to Asia, to Africa our Hearing Angels are spreading love and joy through the gift of hearing and bringing smiles to the faces of tomorrow.

Thanks to Hearing Angel efforts:

• More than 383,282 hearing instruments given worldwide
• More than $35 Million donated
• Hundreds of missions have been taken across the globe

How much does it cost to sponsor a mission?

Hearing mission trips are paid for by donations to Starkey Hearing Foundation. We have ongoing domestic and international hearing missions in development year round. The cost to sponsor a domestic hearing mission is $1,000 per child or $500 per hearing instrument and for an international mission the cost is $200 per child or $100 per hearing instrument.

To learn how you can become an official sponsor of a domestic or international mission click here.

Where is the Starkey Hearing Foundation located?

Administrative Offices
1245 South Main St.
Suite 200
Grapevine, TX 76051
866.354.3254 tel
817.442.8653 fax
Email Us

Customer Service
866.354.3254

What are some common signs of hearing loss?

If you or someone you love is experiencing some of the following symptoms, contact your family doctor or hearing health care professional and have your hearing tested.

• It sounds to you as though people are mumbling or speaking more softly than they used to.
• You are turning up the volume on the TV or radio above the level where others typically listen.
• You can hear people talk, but you have difficulty understanding the words.
• You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
• You can't always hear the doorbell or telephone clearly.
• Family, colleagues and friends suggest you might have a hearing problem.
• It has become difficult to understand a speaker at a business meeting or service.
• It is especially difficult to hear women or children speak.
• You often hear a ringing or buzzing in your ears.
• You might notice a slight muffling of sound after noise exposure.
• It can be difficult to hear or understand people when you leave a noisy area.

I think I have hearing loss. What should I do?

Once you suspect your hearing has declined, it is time to call a hearing professional to:

• Determine if you have a hearing loss and what its causes might be.
• Get appropriate treatment.
• Take steps to prevent further hearing damage.

For help finding a hearing professional, click here.