Voting is now open for the 2017 Oticon Focus on People Awards at www.oticon.com/FOP. People are invited to cast their votes 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. The total number of votes received by each finalist will help to determine who will be the first, second and third place winners in each category.

This is the 19th year that the Oticon Focus on People Awards honors hearing impaired students, adults and advocacy volunteers who are making the world a better place for people with hearing loss. Leading hearing solutions manufacturer Oticon, Inc. created the national awards program in 1997 to drive awareness and understanding that can change attitudes and open doors of opportunity for all people with hearing loss.

Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition, after arthritis and heart disease. It has been shown to affect physical health, cognition, social skills, family relationships, self-esteem and more. Outdated stereotypes of what it means to live with hearing loss often discourage people from seeking life-changing help.

“By spotlighting people with hearing loss and their contributions, Oticon aims to change negative perceptions that discourage people from seeking professional help for their hearing loss,” says Nancy Palmere, Director of Consumer Marketing and Public Relations for Oticon, Inc.

Voting is open now through August 31, 2017, at www.Oticon.com/FOP. Winners will be announced in October.