Published: Thursday, October 28, 2010

Courtesy photo Hayleigh Scott stands with Oticon President Peer Lauritsen. She was honored at the 2010 Oticon Focus on People Awards

SOMERSET, N.J. – Hayleigh Scott, 11 of Hollis, is among the outstanding individuals with hearing loss honored by the 2010 Oticon Focus on People Awards.

The national competition recognizes individuals who are helping to eliminate negative stereotypes of what it means to have a hearing loss.

As the winner in the student category, Hayleigh was honored at the 13th annual awards ceremony at the Oticon Human Link Conference in Stevenson, Ore. The ceremony is attended by more than 200 leading hearing care professionals from across the country.

As part of her award, Hayleigh has designated the Christian Missionary Fellowship International, Hope Partnership Nairobi, Kenya, and Hear in New Hampshire to share the $1,000 donation from Oticon.

Hayleigh, who has worn hearing instruments since she was 18 months, is determined to help others with hearing loss feel as confident and comfortable wearing hearing instruments as she is.

In 2008, Hayleigh received a provisional patent from the U.S. Patent Office for her unique hearing aid charms, aptly named Hayleigh’s Cherished Charms. In a world where many look for ways to camouflage their hearing aids, Hayleigh wanted to help people let their hearing solutions shine. Her successful website business at www.hayleighscherishedcharms.com features more than 50 hearing aid charms, all designed and constructed by Hayleigh, along with matching pierced earrings for anyone who uses one hearing aid and wants a matched charm for the other ear.

Hayleigh donates 10 percent of the proceeds to support hearing impairment research and education of people with hearing loss.

“Hayleigh is one of the most inspiring and creative patients I have seen,” said her audiologist, Michele Labrie, AuD, who displays Hayleigh’s handiwork in her Derry office. “She has embraced her hearing loss and hearing instruments in the most positive way to make herself even more beautiful than she already is.

“Her Cherished Charms have helped people of all ages feel more beautiful and more confident about wearing hearing devices.”

“Individuals like Hayleigh Scott are inspiring role models for people living with hearing loss,” said Peer Lauritsen, president of Oticon. “Through their achievements and contributions, Hayleigh and the other Focus on People Award winners show us that hearing loss does not limit a person’s ability to make a difference in their families, their communities and even the world.

“By recognizing these outstanding individuals, we aim to motivate people to speak with hearing care professionals about hearing loss and the hearing solutions that can empower them to participate actively in all that life has to offer.”

For more information about the Oticon Focus on People Award and hearing health, visit www.oticonusa.com.Consider using this space to introduce your page. Just click to add your own content.

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