David Smith is a team player who is always ready to spike one for people with hearing loss and the positive difference that hearing care and hearing solutions can make. Now in London, competing as #20 on the US Olympic Vollleyball Team, the UC Irvine graduate has achieved more than anyone thought possible for a boy with severe hearing loss playing a team sport.
His inspiring story recently made headlines round the world. For Oticon, there is an added pleasure in seeing the six-foot-seven-inch athlete perform well on the court. Shortly before leaving for the Olympic Games, David upgraded to Oticon Chili.
The Oticon Team recently received unexpected feedback on how well David’s new hearing instruments are performing. In an interview, Dave talked about previous challenges with hearing instruments that sometimes “went out” during rigorous play. The resulting news article, which was syndicated globally, reported: “But I just got these before the Olympics and I don't seem to have any problems," he said, raising both hands to his ears.
“David is an inspiration to all of us, but especially to people with hearing loss,” says Oticon President Peer Lauritsen. “When he returns from the Olympics, David will join with us on a patient education campaign that will talk about his performance with his new Chilis on and off the court.”
The US Olympic Volleyball team has already brought home two wins for the US. Lauritsen invites everyone to cheer on the entire team in the remaining matches which are scheduled for:
Saturday, Aug. 4: vs. Russia, 11:45 a.m. ET
Monday, Aug. 6: vs. Tunisia, 3 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Aug. 8: Quarterfinal TBA
Aug. 10: Semifinal TBA
Aug. 12: Medal Round TBA
For more information about Oticon Chili, visit oticonusa.com.
