The “Hear Tomorrow” workshop offers a new approach to promoting awareness of the ever-increasing problem of noise and music-induced hearing loss. This program is specifically targeted to students studying music, music technology, audio or acoustical engineering. Because many of the principles and theories in “Hear Tomorrow” are the same as those governing music, audio and acoustics, these students have proved particularly adept at understanding this information. In addition, they are quick to understand the importance of developing their own safe listening habits, and equally quick at developing a sensitivity to the health and safety of their clients and the listening public.

The workshop is a two to three-hour presentation, including images and animations reflecting the latest in hearing research. It is divided into three distinct but interrelated units. The first unit focuses on hearing physiology, providing a basic understanding of how the ear translates acoustic energy (via hair cell transduction) into what we perceive as sound. This leads to the second unit, hearing loss, which examines the mechanics of noise-induced loss. Finally, the unit on hearing conservation examines currently accepted noise exposure limits and, ultimately, what can be done to protect hearing. We look at everything from the latest developments in “high-fidelity ear plugs” to concert in-ear monitoring systems, both of which are finding a high degree of acceptance in the professional audio and music performance industries.

The Workshop has received funding from corporations and foundations that understand the value of this initiative. This enables us to offer the workshop at no cost to the host institution. Our goal is to make it easy for schools and other institutions to bring this important message to their constituents.

Please feel free to write to us to discuss hosting a workshop, or if you would like a Hearing Conservation Workshop information packet.