Stevenson, WA —  The Oticon Focus on People Awards has honored 12 outstanding individulas with hearing loss who live a full, productive and even, inspiring life.  

In thirteen years, the Focus on People Awards has brought well deserved recognition to over 195 extraordinary people who defy the stigma of hearing loss. This year, the national awards competition, sponsored by Oticon, Inc.,celebrates 12 individuals whose courage, vision and commitment are changing the perception of what it means to have a hearing loss. 

Oticon’s president, Peer Lauritsen, stated in a press release, “Our award winners have taken their unique circumstances and transformed their lives with a positive outlook that has enabled them to overcome challenges and accomplish goals well beyond what many thought possible.   And they didn’t stop there, each found his or her unique way to direct that positive energy to make the world a better place for others with hearing loss. “

Among this year winners are: Jim Detterline  (Adult Category), a highly accomplished mountaineer and a former park ranger who has

2010 OTICON FOCUS ON PEOPLE AWARD WINNERS were honored at an awards ceremony held at the Oticon Human Link Conference in Stevenson, WA.  Pictured (l-r): Bill Rogers (Advocacy), Oticon President Peer Lauritsen, Jacqueline Rogers Scholl, AuD (Practitioner), Jim Detterline (Adult) and front, Hayleigh Scott (Student).

2010 OTICON FOCUS ON PEOPLE AWARD WINNERS were honored at an awards ceremony held at the Oticon Human Link Conference in Stevenson, WA.  Pictured (l-r): Bill Rogers (Advocacy), Oticon President Peer Lauritsen, Jacqueline Rogers Scholl, AuD (Practitioner), Jim Detterline (Adult) and front, Hayleigh Scott (Student).

been recognized for his service in rescue with the prestigious Medal of Valor from the Department of the Interior; Bill Rogers (Advocacy Category) who helped to found HEAR Nashville, an easily accessed resource for low-income people in middle Tennessee who need hearing help; eleven-year-old Hayleigh Scott  (Student Category) who holds a provisional patent from the U.S. Patent Office for her unique hearing aid charms designed to help people let their hearing instruments shine; and Jacqueline Rogers Scholl, AuD (Practitioner Category) who helped to ensure that vital hearing services would continue to reach a rural population where the incidence of hearing loss is great.

The Oticon Focus on People Awards program is designed to focus attention on common misconceptions about hearing loss, correct negative stereotypes and motivate people with hearing loss to take advantage of the help that is available to them. Each year, hundreds of nominations representing people from all walks of life are reviewed by our judging panel comprised of leading hearing care practitioners. Each nominee has a unique story and has made a unique contribution to changing negative perceptions of hearing loss. “We are both humbled by their accomplishments and inspired by their ability to make a meaningful difference for people with hearing loss,” says Lauritsen.

In addition to a $1000 prize, first place winners received a $1000 donation from Oticon, Inc. to the non-profit organization of their choice. First place winners in the Adult, Student and Advocacy categories also received a pair of advanced technology Oticon hearing instruments. 

The winners were selected by independent judging committee composed of leading hearing care professionals.   This year’s program judges included: Carol Clifford, AuD of Albuquerque Hearing Associates, Albuquerque, NM; Meg Kalady, MS, FAAA of Valley Forge ENT of Phoenixville, PA; and Kiley Stephenson, AuD of Green Clinic, Ruston, LA.

Find out more information about the awards and awardees at Oticon.

SOURCE: Oticon