SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY — The 2025 Oticon Focus on People Awards honored three individuals whose contributions are helping expand understanding of hearing loss and promote greater inclusion. Nearly 100 hearing care professionals from across the United States attended the ceremony in Jupiter, Florida, on November 13.
Established in 1997 by Oticon, Inc., the national awards program highlights people who challenge outdated perceptions of hearing loss and demonstrate that it does not limit the ability to lead a full and engaged life. Over 26 years, more than 300 honorees have been recognized for their efforts to support and empower others with hearing loss.
This year’s recipients were selected for their work to improve opportunities and support for individuals with hearing loss:
Brenda Schmidt of Naperville, Illinois, serves as Hearing Services Coordinator for Chicagoland schools and has supported thousands of children with hearing loss. She is also the author of She Heard Her Footsteps, a children’s book designed to help families navigate the process of obtaining hearing aids.
Jayden Rosenfeld, a high school senior and varsity athlete from Livingston, New Jersey, founded Hear for Each Other, a nonprofit mentoring program that connects younger children with teen mentors for support and self-advocacy. Rosenfeld also volunteers with the Sound Start Babies program to help raise awareness and foster understanding among elementary school students.
Ethan Ocker of The Woodlands, Texas, is a Texas A&M University student majoring in Materials Science Engineering. Diagnosed with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, he has been involved in robotics design and the university’s Solar Car Racing Team. He also participates in the campus Deaf and Hard of Hearing Club, where he shares his experiences with peers.
“Our 2025 Oticon Focus on People Award winners have demonstrated an unwavering determination to transform their special circumstances into lives that make a positive difference for many. Brenda, Jayden and Ethan are shining examples of how life-changing technology and the care of a dedicated hearing care professional can empower people with hearing loss to achieve their personal best. Each of our hearing champions is a role model, helping to create awareness and change attitudes that can open doors of opportunity for all, but especially for people with hearing loss.”
–Lisbeth Meng Collignon, Vice President of Marketing for Oticon, Inc.
Each award recipient received a $2,500 prize, a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice, and a pair of Oticon BrainHearing™ technology hearing aids.
More information about the Oticon Focus on People Awards is available at oticon.com/fop.
Source: Oticon Inc
