Take one look at the thermometer or your neighbors dusting off their grills, and it’s pretty clear that summer is right around the corner. And, while it’s easy to recognize the sights, how often do we stop to appreciate the sounds of summer?

So, this summer we’re excited to announce our first annual essay contest—Sounds of Summer! Between the weekends of Memorial Dan and Labor Day, we’re giving you the opportunity to share your story with the Oticon Medical community, and win $500!

We get to hear a lot from you about how the Ponto has helped rebuild the soundtrack of your life through the stories you’ve shared with us on Facebook and Twitter. And, we have to admit, we just can’t get enough of them—we want to hear more from all of you!

So, start thinking! What’s your favorite sound of summer? Do the sounds of crickets on a warm summer night bring back fond memories? Or maybe the sound of a burger grilling in the back yard? How do you experience summer differently now that you have a Ponto?

Here’s everything you need to know about entering the contest:

How do I enter?
We’re going to try and make this as simple as possible – we’ve even got your writer’s block covered. The topic for the essay contest is: “What’s your favorite sound of summer? How do you experience summer differently now that you have a Ponto?”

Answer that question in any form you would like– with a photo, an essay or a video– and send it in to [email protected].

That’s it. You’re entered! All entries should address that question in some way, shape or form. 

If I wrote an essay there a word limit?
Try and keep your entry at 1,000 words or less.

How do I know if you received my entry?
We will send you a quick response letting you know we got your entry.

I’m not a current Ponto wearer.  Am I eligible to enter the essay contest?
Yes, anyone can participate.

What type of format should I send my entry in?
Please send your essay contest entry in a Word Document. Please don’t send a PDF or any other non-editable format. We want to be sure we can copy and paste your text. Also, please use a readable font (for example: Times New Roman, Arial, etc.).

Can I include pictures, links, and videos?
Yes! Feel free to get as creative as you’d like.

Can I submit something that has been published somewhere else?
We are looking for original essays, created specifically for this contest.  Of course, afterward, you’re welcome to publish your entry anywhere you like. If you are a finalist, we ask that you allow the contest to reach its conclusion (when we announce the winner and hand over the cash) before you publish your essay on your own site or blog.

When is the deadline for entry?
All eligible entries must be received by Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 11:30 PM EST. Any entries received after that will not be considered. 

How will the finalists/winner be chosen?
After all of the entries are submitted, finalists will be chosen by the Oticon Medical Team based on a number of criteria — amazing story, clear writing, and adherence to all rules of submission.

Each of those finalists’ essays will be featured here, and we’ll be spreading the word far and wide. After all finalists’ pieces have been shared, we’ll open the public voting for one week. The grand-prize winner will be chosen by the highest number of votes.

How will the voting happen?
Once each finalist story has been featured, we’ll post the link to a voting ballot for all of the essays. Then, you can have your friends, family, coworkers and everyone head on over and vote for you! Each person can only vote once! So spread the word!

If I’m a finalist, how do I get people to vote for my essay?
Share a Facebook post, tweet about it, pin your entry.  We’ll give the specific details on how to vote once all of the finalists’ posts have been featured.

When will the winner be announced and what will they win?
The winner of the Essay Contest will be announced on or around July 1, 2013. He or she will win a $500 visa gift card.

Do you have any additional questions?
Please send us an email. And, remember, the deadline for entry is May 29, 2013.

Help us spread the word! If you’d like to share the contest on Twitter, please use the hashtag #summersounds and mention @OticonMedical.