Ideas from Simple and Practical to Innovative and High Tech Aim to Change the World for People with Hearing Loss.
Naerum, DK July 19 - More than 200 original ideas have been posted on awarenessforhearingloss.com since March when the Oticon Foundation and Ida Institute launched Ideas, Speak up - Action and Awareness for Hearing Loss, a worldwide open call for ideas to build awareness of hearing loss. The submissions reflect the thinking of people from around the world who are committed to generating ideas that create better understanding of hearing loss, change public perception and encourage people to take action. From smartphone apps and pixelated musical scores to messages printed on t-shirts and sugar packets, the ideas are as varied and unique as the contributors but share one common characteristic - genuine caring for people with hearing loss and the challenges they face.
"With two months remaining in the Ideas Campaign, we encourage everyone to visit awarenessforhearingloss.com and post an idea," says Ida Institute Managing Director Lise Lotte Bundesen. "Your idea may be the one that captures the imagination of our judging panel or ignites a collaborative discussion that results in a winning concept with the potential to effect change locally or globally."
Ideas Reflect Innovation and Caring
Ideas can be as simple and intuitive as the witty messages printed on coffee cups and sugar packets suggested by contributors from South Africa and Canada. Other ideas take an innovative approach to educating the general public such as development of an internationally recognized hearing inclusivity symbol that can serve as a visual reminder for good communication practices. More high tech and high profile concepts proposed by contributors from Denmark and the US include awareness-building smartphone apps and international fashion events where high fashion is complemented with the latest design in hearing instruments.
In keeping with Ida Institute's commitment to the open innovation process, participants can share, debate, comment and vote for ideas posted on awarenessforhearingloss.com.
One of the positive early outcomes of the Ideas Campaign is the creation of a community of caring made up of the individuals who contribute ideas to the online forum and those who visit the website to review and comment on the ideas. "The community of individuals committed to making a difference for people with hearing loss continues to grow on a daily basis," notes Bundesen, "It is clear that the online forum is an 'idea' that is already helping to raise awareness and effect positive change for people with hearing loss."
Still Time to Contribute Ideas
The open call for ideas runs through September. During this time, ideas will be shared online at awarenessforhearingloss.com and commenting and voting will take place. From October through February 2013, implementation plans for the top-ten ideas will be developed. Subsequently, an expert panel of judges, made up of thought leaders in a variety of hearing and health care, innovation and communication disciplines, will select three winning ideas that will be announced at the 2013 AudiologyNOW! conference.
Participation in the online competition is free of charge and open to all. Visit www.awarenessforhearingloss.com to register.
About the Oticon Foundation
Founded in 1957, the Oticon Foundation funds social and educational programs, publications, conferences, cultural activities and campaigns - both for researchers, hearing care professionals and the general public. The Foundation's statutes mandate that income be used to support the needs of hearing-impaired individuals as well as organizations that serve people with hearing loss.
About the Ida Institute
Established in 2007 with a grant from the Oticon Foundation, the Ida Institute is a non-profit independent educational institute located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Institute seeks to foster a better understanding of the human dynamics associated with hearing loss. By serving as a catalyst for knowledge sharing and the development of innovative and practical tools, the Institute assists hearing care professionals in helping hearing impaired people address the physical, psychological and social challenges of hearing loss. For more information, visit www.idainstitute.com.
