The inaugural event in the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance’s (PAMA) Hearing Rocks initiative, the free webinar Mind the Mix: Hearing Preservation Strategies for Audio Engineers, will be held Wednesday, May 28, at 12:00 noon EDT. Encouraging audio professionals and performers to “protect the one tool you can’t replace,” this initial webinar in a three-part series will focus on real-world hearing preservation strategies. This Zoom event is free and open to all interested – although registration is required.
Seasoned audio veterans Maureen Droney and Buford Jones will be joined by renowned audiologist Michael Santucci and, as moderator, PAMA President Yvonne Ho, in a discussion spanning the most common types of hearing loss audio professionals face, why early detection of hearing loss matters, practical strategies for protecting hearing on the job, how veteran audio engineers have adapted their habits over time, tips for managing long-term exposure to high SPL environments, and what to do (and who to talk to) if individuals experience hearing changes.
About the panel:
Buford Jones
Live Sound Legend & 2024 Parnelli Audio Innovator awardee
Buford’s mixing credits span some of the most iconic acts in music history—from Pink Floyd to Prince, Eric Clapton, and David Bowie. Now, he brings his decades of experience to a new mission: sharing why hearing conservation is essential for the next generation of engineers. Hear how his philosophy evolved from “turn it up” to “turn it smart.”
Live Sound Legend & 2024 Parnelli Audio Innovator awardee
Buford’s mixing credits span some of the most iconic acts in music history—from Pink Floyd to Prince, Eric Clapton, and David Bowie. Now, he brings his decades of experience to a new mission: sharing why hearing conservation is essential for the next generation of engineers. Hear how his philosophy evolved from “turn it up” to “turn it smart.”
Maureen Droney
Vice President Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing/Former Studio Engineer
From working in the studio with Whitney Houston and Santana to her leadership role at the Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing, Maureen offers a dual perspective: what hearing protection means for long sessions in the studio and how the industry can better support safe listening practices.
Vice President Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing/Former Studio Engineer
From working in the studio with Whitney Houston and Santana to her leadership role at the Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing, Maureen offers a dual perspective: what hearing protection means for long sessions in the studio and how the industry can better support safe listening practices.
Dr. Michael Santucci, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology, Founder and President of Sensaphonics
For 40 years, Michael has been protecting and preserving hearing for generations of musicians, technicians, venue staff, and music lovers everywhere. Michael will offer his view on how we can all enjoy making and listening to music without long-term damage.
Doctor of Audiology, Founder and President of Sensaphonics
For 40 years, Michael has been protecting and preserving hearing for generations of musicians, technicians, venue staff, and music lovers everywhere. Michael will offer his view on how we can all enjoy making and listening to music without long-term damage.
Moderator:
Yvonne Ho
Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Point Source Audio
Yvonne is the president of PAMA and a driving force behind the Hearing Rocks initiative, advocating for hearing health across the pro audio industry. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in more than a decade working in hearing assistive technology and continues through her current role at Point Source Audio, where she leads marketing for its innovative line of wearable microphones and in-ear headsets.
Yvonne Ho
Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Point Source Audio
Yvonne is the president of PAMA and a driving force behind the Hearing Rocks initiative, advocating for hearing health across the pro audio industry. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in more than a decade working in hearing assistive technology and continues through her current role at Point Source Audio, where she leads marketing for its innovative line of wearable microphones and in-ear headsets.
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