2023 Oticon Focus on People Awards Honor Hearing Loss Champion, Emily Truell

Thank you to all who voted! I am so grateful for 2nd place in this national award, but I am even more thankful for this chance to help others and make a difference. I worked hard to learn as much as I have about hearing loss and single sided deafness. If I can give others a shortcut to that information, I feel so victorious.

This blog started as a way to reach more folks to support them in their hearing loss and brain tumor journeys. I wanted other young people with hearing loss to feel less alone, and people struggling with an Acoustic Neuroma diagnosis to find their tribe.

This has really grown in just a short time! In 2023, this blog had more than 5,000 views from 63 different countries. I have had so many people reach out and tell me how much this has helped them – and helped the people in their lives. I never anticipated so many would be sharing these posts with friends and family who haven’t experienced single sided deafness or a brain tumor. I feel like I am really getting it right whenever someone tells me, “This blog post could be me.”

So I hope this continues to be a helpful and supportive space. I am beyond honored by Oticon’s award, but also by every single positive comment you have ever made about this blog.

Emily Truell is among three outstanding people with hearing loss honored by the 2023 Oticon Focus on People Awards in the Hearing Loss Champion category. The national competition, now in its 25^th year, celebrates exceptional individuals whose courage, vision and commitment are changing the perception of what it means to have a hearing loss. People from across the US cast thousands of votes online at Oticon.com/fop to determine this year’s winners.

“In 25 years, the Oticon Focus on People Awards has honored more than 300 amazing individuals, like Emily, who make a positive difference and drive change for people with hearing loss,” said Jacob Torpe Winter, Vice President of Marketing, Oticon, Inc. “Each has found a unique way to make the world a better place for people with hearing loss and for all of us. In sharing their stories through this national awards program, we aim to join them in making the world a better, more inclusive place for people with hearing loss.”

Emily experienced singled-sided deafness as a result of a brain tumor at age 27. Following successful surgery, she was determined to pay it forward and support other brain tumor warriors on their journey. Her first step was as a volunteer with the Acoustic Neuroma Association in a variety of capabilities including support group leader and peer mentor. She soon recognized how the barriers caused by cultural stigmas associated with hearing loss created unique challenges and was determined to change the narrative around hearing loss and hearing technology. Today, her popular blog, http://www.luckybraintumor.com, is a welcoming place to support, encourage and share resources, where people with hearing loss can feel seen, empowered and hopeful.

By celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with hearing loss, Oticon, Inc. seeks to call attention to common misconceptions about hearing loss and motivate people with hearing loss to take advantage of the help that is available to them. The company’s goal is to reach out to the 80 percent of an estimated 48 million Americans who could benefit from hearing solutions, but who fail to seek professional help.

Read the inspiring stories of all 2023 Oticon Focus on People Awards winners at https://www.oticon.com/inside-oticon/life-changing-technology/fop/finalists/bios-advocacy.