Oticon has announced that voting is now open for the 2015 Oticon Focus on People Awards, and website visitors are invited to cast their vote for the 12 finalists who represent the “best of the best” from this year’s nominations in each of four categories – Student, Adult, Advocacy, and Practitioner.

According to Oticon, the total number of votes received by each finalist will help to determine the first, second, and third place winners in each category. The company reports that winners receive prizes and national recognition, which helps to change attitudes that can open doors of opportunity for all people with hearing loss.

“Our goal is to reach as many people as possible with the inspirational stories of our Focus on People Award finalists,” said Nancy Palmere, the senior marketing manager at Oticon who heads the awards program. “We encourage everyone to visit the Oticon website and meet some truly remarkable people who show that hearing loss does not limit a person’s ability to achieve, contribute, and inspire!”

This is the 17th year that the Oticon Focus on People Awards has honored hearing impaired students, adults, and advocacy volunteers who are making a positive difference in the world. By spotlighting people with hearing loss and their contributions, Oticon says it aims to change outdated stereotypes that discourage people from seeking professional help for their hearing loss.

Voting is open now through September 18. Winners will be announced in October. To vote and to learn more about the Focus on People Awards, visit the Oticon website.

Source: Oticon