Hearing Loss Is Focus of New Public Service Announcement

Amanda Beers, a Miss America finalist from Washington State, delivers an inspiring message to persons with hearing impairment in a new public service video, made in partnership with Oticon, a leading hearing aid manufacturer, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation.

Ms. Beers, hearing-impaired since birth, is an advocate for early identification of hearing loss and for insurance coverage of hearing aids. She shared her life story and commitment to this cause with the Foundation's donors in Atlanta at the 2002 Founders Breakfast and has been working in 2003 with ASHA's Governmental Relations and Public Policy group to encourage legislative efforts in the state of Washington.

Oticon premiered the 60-second public service announcement when it presented a Focus on People Award to Ms. Beers during a special awards event held in conjunction with the 2003 American Academy of Audiology meeting in San Antonio. The Foundation is highlighted in the video as a resource for persons who wish to seek more information and professional care.

The Foundation applauds Ms. Beers' efforts and commends Oticon for its grant support of this vital public message.

View this public service announcement now!

Read about Amanda Beers' appearance before the Washington state legislature.