Local Audiologist Nominated For National Award

BURBANK, CA — A Burbank medical practitioner who advocates for appropriate care for children with hearing loss is nominated for a national award that honors people who make a positive impact on the hearing loss community.

Doctor Mary Frintner, who works at the Burbank Audiology Center, has a passion for helping children and established a program called "Listen through Literacy," which encourages children to love to read while also helping them build literacy.

The doctor was nominated as an exceptional medical practitioner in hearing aid manufacturer Oticon's Focus on People Awards for 2022.

"I'm honored. I'm one of those people who doesn't like to think about accolades," Frintner said. " [Winning this award] would mean acknowledgment that I'm doing the right thing for my patients. It would mean recognition for the charity that I am hoping that I win for which is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Chicago."

Frintner recently met two child refugees from Ukraine, 10-year-old Lev and his 9-year-old sister Vlada, and fitted them for hearing aids as well as gave them books, backpacks, lunch bags and school supplies to help them get ready to learn.

Coined "the good of audiology" by her patients, Frintner said she knows some families can't spend money buying books, and because a lot of the patients she serves are below the poverty level. The children she helps are sent home with their own books because Frintner believes they are crucial to helping kids develop language.

"I love my job. I love what I do. I love changing lives. I love working with the families and the children or very child-centered clinics," Frintner said. "There are still people out there who are working with patients who have hearing problems that genuinely want to make a difference in the patient's life."

Frintner is one of 12 finalists nominated for the Focus on People Award. The national program celebrates distinguished students, adults and healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to serve their communities and make an impact.

Voting for the award is open until Nov. 4 and winners will receive an Oticon BrainHearing hearing aid as well as a donation to a charity they choose.

“The Focus on People Awards shine a spotlight on these finalists’ triumphs and inspirational stories, and we are proud to recognize all the work they have done to dismantle the stigma around hearing loss. We hope you will join us in recognizing their outstanding achievements by casting your vote,” Oticon said in a statement.

Community members can vote for Frintner online here.