Sir Elton John handed out hearing aids to needy children and adults in the Philippines last week (begs10Dec12) during a charity mission.

The I'm Still Standing hitmaker and his partner David Furnish joined the Starkey Hearing Foundation in Manila to personally help fit more than 400 of the devices, allowing many to hear for the first time in their life.

John has been an avid supporter of the organisation for many years and has previously headlined the charity's annual So The World May Hear Awards Gala.

Bill Austin, Founder of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, says, "We are working to create peace and understanding around the world through the gift of hearing, and it is not possible without all the efforts of our friends and partners. We are so honoured to have the support of Sir Elton John and David Furnish and that they would take the time to help us deliver this precious gift."

The Starkey Hearing Foundation conducts approximately 70 international missions annually to fulfil a commitment to provide more than 100,000 hearing aids to people in need each year.