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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sensaphonics brings hearing health education to the next generation of musicians through School of Rock partnership
— Expanded outreach program brings hearing conservation education, custom hearing protection advice and audiology services directly to young musicians —
Chicago, IL, October 6, 2026 – Sensaphonics, a leader in hearing health solutions for the music industry for more than four decades, is expanding its ongoing outreach to young musicians through a series of hearing health events at School of Rock locations in the greater Chicago area and beyond, bringing professional hearing conservation education, custom hearing protection and audiology services directly to students, families and educators.
Designed to promote lifelong safe listening habits, the events directly address the question of what happens when the people responsible for creating the world’s music begin losing the one instrument they can’t replace – their hearing. Through this outreach program, Sensaphonics is providing School of Rock participants with hearing tests, ear canal examinations, custom ear impressions, and access to educational resources, all under the supervision of licensed audiologists. For many aspiring musicians, hours of rehearsals, live performances and personal listening begin at an early age. Yet hearing conservation is often overlooked until the damage has already occurred.
Founded in 1998 and now boasting over 385 locations in 16 different countries, School of Rock’s performance-based approach to music education combines one-on-one instruction with group rehearsals to help students develop both their musical abilities and the confidence, teamwork and communication skills that extend well beyond the stage. Its emphasis on preparing students for real-world performance makes hearing health and safe listening an essential part of every young musician’s education.
With this collaboration, Sensaphonics is helping introduce hearing health as an essential part of music education, empowering students and families with practical tools and knowledge they can carry throughout their musical careers.
“Our goal isn’t simply to provide hearing protection,” said Dr. Shannon Switzer, Au.D., director of the Musicians Hearing Clinic at Sensaphonics. “It’s to help young musicians understand that hearing health is an essential part of becoming a successful musician. We have been holding these events with School of Rock for about a decade now, and the increased awareness of hearing health issues among students and faculty is really encouraging to see. The earlier these safe listening habits begin, the more likely they’ll enjoy a lifetime of making music. I encourage School of Rock locations across the country to build relationships with local audiologists and make hearing health education and services part of the support they provide their students.”
More School of Rock locations are recognizing the added value of incorporating hearing health education into their programs, helping students become more aware of both the music they create and the sound levels they experience while creating it.
"Our mission is to build the next generation of great musicians, and that requires safeguarding their most vital asset: their hearing,” says Anne Schovain, owner of three School of Rock Chicago-area locations, including Elmhurst, Hinsdale, and Naperville. “True music education doesn't stop at the stage; it includes wellness and long-term career safety. Partnering with Sensaphonics allows us to bring elite, industry-trusted hearing health expertise directly to our families, ensuring our students enjoy high-quality sound today while conserving their hearing for tomorrow."
Each School of Rock hearing health event includes:
- Professional hearing tests and ear canal examinations by a licensed audiologist
- Custom ear impressions for Sensaphonics ER Musicians Earplugs
- Education on safe listening practices and hearing conservation
- Discussion of hearing risks associated with rehearsals, performances and personal listening
- Opportunities for students and families to ask questions about hearing health
Founded by music audiologist Dr. Michael Santucci, Au.D., in 1985, Sensaphonics has spent more than 40 years helping musicians, engineers and performers protect their hearing while achieving exceptional sound quality. As the only custom in-ear monitor manufacturer founded and operated by Doctors of Audiology, the company continues to combine clinical expertise with innovative products designed specifically for the unique needs of musicians. The ongoing School of Rock partnership reflects that mission by extending hearing healthcare beyond touring professionals and into the next generation of performers.
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Photo file 1: School_of_Rock_exterior.JPG
Photo caption 1: Sensaphonics brings hearing-health education, custom hearing protection and audiology services directly to young musicians through its ongoing outreach with School of Rock locations in the greater Chicago area and beyond.Photo file 2: School_of_Rock_station.JPG
Photo caption 2: Dr. Shannon Switzer, Au.D., conducts an on-site hearing test for a School of Rock student during a Sensaphonics hearing-health outreach event, part of the company’s effort to introduce safe listening habits and hearing conservation early in a young musician’s development.Photo file 3: School_of_Rock_hearing_test_1.JPG
Photo caption 3: A School of Rock student receives an on-site hearing test during a Sensaphonics hearing health outreach event, helping young musicians better understand their current hearing and the importance of protecting it for the future.Photo file 4: School_of_Rock_hearing_test_2.JPG
Photo caption 4: A School of Rock student receives an on-site hearing test during a Sensaphonics hearing health outreach event, helping young musicians better understand their current hearing and the importance of protecting it for the future.PRESS CONTACT
For additional photography or to acquire unique content for your publication:
Robert Clyne Email: robert@clynemedia.com
Clyne Media Inc. Mobile: 615-300-4666ABOUT SENSAPHONICS
Founded in 1985 by Michael Santucci, Au.D., Sensaphonics Hearing Conservation, Inc., designs and manufactures custom-fitted in-ear monitors, earplugs and electronics designed to achieve safe, high-resolution audio in mission-critical applications. Serving a primary customer base of musicians and sound engineers, Sensaphonics products are used exclusively on all manned NASA missions and on the International Space Station. Other significant markets served by Sensaphonics include house of worship, theater, broadcasting, motorsports, aeronautics, and audiophile listening. Sensaphonics is committed to the preservation of hearing through superior products, audiological services and audio consulting, enabling longer, more productive careers and richer quality of life. Located in Chicago, Sensaphonics can be contacted toll-free at 877-848-1714, internationally at 312-432-1714, or online at www.sensaphonics.com.
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