Starkey Hearing Foundation

About Us

Starkey Hearing Foundation gives the gift of hearing to people in need in the U.S. and around the world. We believe hearing is a vehicle to reflect caring and to improve the lives of individuals, their families, and communities.

Our Story

As a young man, William F. Austin, founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation, realized his true calling in life was helping people hear, and that by doing so, he could have a lasting impact on the world.

For more than 50 years, Austin has been providing the gift of hearing to people in need, and to formalize the philanthropic efforts of Starkey Hearing Technologies, he officially founded Starkey Hearing Foundation in 1984. He had a simple premise:

"Alone we can't do much. Together we can change the world."

Our Vision

Austin built the organization on his vision—So the World May Hear. With the help of thousands of volunteers and supporters over the last three decades, we have expanded our reach from Minnesota across the United States and around the world.

Our Mission

Starkey Hearing Foundation’s mission is to give the gift of hearing to those in need, empowering them to maximize their potentials in life.

By collaborating with governments, nongovernment organizations, and health leaders, our goal is to make hearing healthcare services more accessible for people around the world. 

Today we continue to travel the globe helping people in need, and to date have given the gift of hearing in more than 100 countries.