Audiologists earn Sensaphonics certification
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“When it comes to in-ears, most musicians do not know how to protect their hearing, and most audiologists have no idea what stage monitoring is like,” notes Dr. Santucci. “The Gold Circle seminar is designed to share the knowledge that both groups require in order to create a great performance experience for musicians while still protecting their hearing.”
Three audiologists earned their Gold Circle certification: Dr. Margaret Richards of The Hearing Centrein Pensacola, FL; Dr. Natalie Crossland of Holland Doctors of Audiology in Holland, MI; and Dr. Shawna Jackson of the Callier Centre at U. of Texas-Dallas.
Gold Circle audiologists are taught the proper method for taking ear impressions, but the seminar goes far beyond such basics. Through classroom sessions at Sensaphonics offices and a hands-on live rehearsal session with a live band, the audiologists learn specifics on how to recommend the best products for each musician’s listening situation, how sound systems work, the innate challenges of stage monitoring, plus backstage etiquette and marketing tips.
Held at Mystery Street Recording Company in Chicago, the seminar’s live music segment featured a three-piece band called Microcosms using IEMs for the first time. Working with Sensaphonics consultant and Mystery Street owner Joe Tessone, the audiologists worked with the band directly, experiencing the difficulty of hearing other instruments over the drummer, then observing how in-ears help address that issue by creating isolation. The band members noted that the in-ears allowed them to hear themselves much more clearly, and that vocals were greatly enhanced without having to scream above floor wedges.
“It’s always gratifying to work with a band that appreciates the benefits of in-ears the first time they try them,” says Dr. Santucci. “In the same way, Sensaphonics Gold Circle audiologists learn how they can help musicians and sound engineers in their communities to have better performance while preserving their hearing with the right expertise, products, and advice.”
(Jim Evans)
