When Hans Demant founded Oticon in 1904, it was for a good reason: his wife was hearing impaired, and he was determined to help her and others like her. From personal experience, Hans Demant knew about the effects of hearing impairment – the complex psychological problems which inevitably arise when people have difficulty communicating. 

Inspired by Hans' humanistic philosophy, his son William and his wife created the William Demant & Ida Emilie Foundation in 1957. The foundation is later also known as the Oticon Foundation.

The foundation’s statutes mandate that income be used to support the needs of hearing-impaired individuals as well as organizations. Income is derived through its ownership of the majority of shares in the Oticon company. 

As one of the world’s oldest foundations, the Oticon Foundation sponsors social and educational programs, publications, conferences, cultural activities and campaigns - both for researchers, hearing care professionals and the general public.