Communication. Connection. Confidence.
AboutSound supports unique hearing journeys by creating access to advanced hearing solutions. Restoring connection, confidence and communication.
Who We Are
The AboutSound Initiative is a collaborative hearing healthcare initiative dedicated to expanding equitable access to hearing healthcare, hearing technology and specialist hearing interventions throughout South Africa.
Rather than acting as a direct healthcare provider or funder, the Initiative mobilises partnerships, clinical expertise, financial support and shared resources to help make life-changing hearing interventions possible for eligible beneficiaries.
Through its collaborative Projects, the Initiative helps eligible beneficiaries access cochlear implant surgery, bone conduction device implantation, hearing aids and other appropriate hearing technologies by bringing together healthcare professionals, hospitals, donors, industry partners and community organisations.
By combining responsible governance, transparent programme management, sustainable fundraising and clinical excellence, the Initiative seeks to reduce financial and systemic barriers to hearing healthcare while creating life-changing opportunities for children and adults.
The Initiative builds on the momentum and success of the Gift of Hearing Project, launched in collaboration with Miss South Africa 2024, Mia le Roux. Building on this foundation, 2026 marks the inaugural year of the independent AboutSound Initiative.
Strategic Partner
Operation Healing Hands
Implementing Organisation
Programme Director:
Sorette van Niekerk
Operation Healing Hands NPC is a registered nonprofit organisation responsible for programme leadership and implementation, including governance oversight, fundraising administration, financial stewardship, donor reporting, compliance, stakeholder engagement and programme coordination.
Riana de Necker Audiology
Audiology Lead
Clinical Director:
Riana de Necker
Provides clinical governance and oversight of audiological applications, ensuring candidates are considered in accordance with accepted audiological candidacy criteria and that the required assessments and clinical processes are appropriately completed. Oversees the clinical suitability of applications and ensures that appropriate rehabilitation, follow-up, and long-term post-implantation care pathways are in place.
The Mia le Roux Movement
Advocacy, Awareness and Fundraising
Lead Ambassador:
Mia le Roux
As the inspiration behind the Gift of Hearing Project, from which the AboutSound Initiative evolved, and as one of South Africa's leading advocates for hearing health, Mia le Roux serves as the Founding Patron and Ambassador of the AboutSound Initiative.
Core Pillars of Action
Bringing together funding, clinical expertise, strategic partnerships and donated or discounted resources to enable eligible beneficiaries to access hearing technology and specialist hearing interventions.
Encouraging beneficiaries to establish realistic and sustainable pathways for rehabilitation and long-term hearing healthcare before assistance is approved.
Promoting hearing health awareness, communication accessibility and inclusion.
Building collaborative partnerships across the healthcare, corporate, academic and nonprofit sectors.
Reducing financial and systemic barriers to hearing healthcare.
@2026 AboutSound. All Rights Reserved.