Hearing loss: a common condition that's overlooked
One in seven people experiences hearing loss within their lifetime. This has serious consequences, both physical and psychological. With your SWICA Benevita community coins, you're helping to support Pro Audito, Switzerland's leading point of contact for people with hearing loss, to support those affected in their daily lives and to improve access to hearing aids.
Hearing problems – more serious than many think
There's definitely one thing that hearing loss, and that's underestimated. Most people don't know just how important hearing and, above all, understanding is when it comes to our daily life, social inclusion, and our physical and mental wellbeing. Partial or complete hearing loss is often accompanied by social isolation, depression, an increased risk of dementia and dependence on others.
In addition to causing a great deal of individual suffering, hearing loss also leads to huge costs for society. A current report from the Swiss Health Observatory (OBSAN) shows that it costs Switzerland seven billion francs every year. A recent report by the Swiss Health Observatory (OBSAN) shows that hearing loss costs Switzerland seven billion Swiss francs each year. No other disability in the country generates such high social costs as hearing impairment.
What your community coins are doing
Pro Audito provides support for people with hearing problems. Your community coins go directly towards funding the work of this non-profit organisation. Their support helps with:
- Training and day-to-day assistance: Even the most modern hearing aids don't always compensate for hearing loss. Pro Audito offers online training, webinars and workshops that teach skills such as lip reading. There are also tips on how apps, for example, can make everyday life easier for people with hearing loss.
- Better access to hearing aids: Impartial advice on how to navigate the jungle of hearing aids to find the right equipment at a fair price. Pro Audito also works to raise awareness at the political level and fosters dialogue with the social insurance authorities.
- Speech-to-text reporting: Writing down what's said. Speech-to-text reporters can be brought in online or on site, for example for training courses, events and meetings.
What is peat and why is it harvested?
Peat consists largely of dead plant material that is not completely decomposed in the water-saturated moorland. Peatland plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, incorporate it into their plant biomass and sequester it after they die. Peat soils take a very long time to develop – about a thousand years for a peat layer of one metre. If the water is removed from the peat soils, the climate-damaging gases are released.
In Switzerland, peatlands and moorland landscapes have been safeguarded since 1987 when voters accepted the Rothenthurm Initiative protecting peatlands. Peat extraction was also banned. This country is alone in this, as almost 29 million tonnes of peat were extracted worldwide in 2020 alone, mainly in Europe.
The reason is that peat is an excellent substrate for growing flowers and vegetables. Unfortunately, imported peat is in great demand in Switzerland too, even though there are now climate-friendly alternatives. And despite constitutional protection, the area and ecological quality of peatlands continues to decline - a threat to biodiversity and the climate.
Things you should know about hearing loss
Stories from the hearing impaired
Fabienne, a former professional snowboarder, suffered from pre-eclampsia with serious complications, including losing the hearing in her left ear. She is now enjoying sport, family and work to the full again.
Dodo is a dialect singer who has lived with tinnitus for more than 20 years. This initially resulted in psychological problems, which he now has under control. Dodo was able to accept his hearing impairment and make peace with it.
Out of nowhere, sudden hearing loss in both ears threw Beat's life completely off course. A cochlear implant helped get this father and outdoor enthusiast back on track. Constant work and a positive mindset have given Beat his life back.
Past successful projects
These donation projects have already been supported with the help of your community coins.
SWICA and Sports Aid Switzerland: partnering for passion in sports
Regular exercise is a key foundation of a healthy life, which is why SWICA has long been dedicated to encouraging an active lifestyle. And when the joy of movement grows into real ambitions, Swiss Sports Aid is there to provide support. The partnership with Benevita reaches the peak of perfection when aspiring athletes inspire others to get active as well.
