In the music industry, hearing isn’t just necessary — it’s everything. Musicians, sound engineers, and crew members rely on their ears as their most valuable tool. Yet hearing loss often develops gradually, usually unnoticed until it starts to affect work, communication, and even one’s passion for music.
That’s why the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) teamed up with WAHTS to provide on-site hearing screenings for music industry professionals who bring to life the nightly concerts at the Kentucky State Fair. The partnership offered musicians and crew members a rare opportunity: access to a portable, accurate hearing test that could be performed outside of a sound booth — right in the midst of their work environment.
Discovering WAHTS
ATA first utilized WAHTS at the Key West Songwriters Festival last spring, a lively setting far from the quiet of a clinic. What impressed Joy Onozuka, ATA director of community engagement and communications, most was its practicality. “The Key West Songwriters Festival is the first time I became aware of the system and its portability and ease of use in a reasonably quiet environment,” she explained.
For professionals constantly traveling between venues and festivals, portability meant hearing care could meet them where they were.
Shoshannah Russell, chief audiologist and sales and marketing director for WAHTS, described it this way: “WAHTS is basically a wearable sound booth. Our goal has always been to break down barriers to access to hearing healthcare. When you can set up anywhere — backstage, in a trailer, or at a fairground — you open up opportunities to connect with people who might never walk into a clinic.”
Why Testing at Events Matters
The music industry is full of people whose livelihoods rely on hearing — yet most don’t have regular access to audiologists who understand their world. That gap is exactly what WAHTS helped close at the Kentucky State Fair. ATA brought in music audiologist Juan Vasquez and PhD student intern Brynne Stevens, who used WAHTS results to provide personalized guidance. Each screening became more than just a test; it was a real conversation about preservation, prevention, and performance.
“Simply put, having the right resources, beginning with the WAHTS hearing test, enabled us to connect better, provide individualized advice, and hopefully prepare a person for a long career without hearing and tinnitus issues,” Onozuka noted.
This mattered deeply to the professionals backstage, some of whom hadn’t had a hearing test in a very long time.
Setting Up in the Real World
One of the most significant advantages of WAHTS is its ease of use. Unlike traditional testing equipment, WAHTS doesn’t require complex setup or specialized environments.
“Easy to set up for the audiologist and easy to use for the individual, across all age groups,” Onozuka explained.
The system also proved adaptable, as sudden bursts of sound from the stage during sound checks didn’t disrupt the process.
“I was impressed that the system recalibrated when there was a sudden loud noise in the background, which happened during sound checks for the day’s concerts,” Onozuka emphasized.
This resilience reinforced WAHTS as a field-ready solution, designed with the realities of unpredictable loud sound in mind.
Compared to Traditional Methods
Traditional audiology relies on soundproof booths to eliminate interference; however, this model doesn’t always work in outreach or community-based care settings. WAHTS isn’t meant to replace the booth — it’s designed to extend access where booths can’t go.
“It’s not the same as doing a hearing test in a booth, which is truly a soundproof environment. However, the ease of use, precision, and the ability to go over results with Juan and Brynne as soon as people were finished felt empowering and impactful,” Onozuka said.
For participants, this combination of immediate results and direct guidance was a game-changer.
Onozuka also highlighted how much WAHTS can facilitate trust and understanding compared to online tests, which can be confusing or inaccurate when not done correctly.
“Speaking with a skilled audiologist can make a huge difference when it comes to understanding sound levels and avoiding preventable hearing loss and tinnitus,” she noted.
Russell added, “WAHTS isn’t just about data — it’s about creating a starting point for conversations. When someone sees their audiogram and then talks with an audiologist right there, it turns information into action.”
Real Impact on Musicians and Crew
Perhaps the most powerful part of the initiative was witnessing how individuals responded. For some, WAHTS provided their first data point in decades. For others, it was the first time they had encountered this type of professional hearing health tool.
“We had a crew member who hadn’t had his hearing checked since 1987. Several crew members brought people they worked with to have their hearing checked and to discuss technologies that could improve communication between them on stage. A young woman just getting started as a performer and crew member also had her hearing checked, which represents the ideal case: working with someone at the start of their career and giving them a baseline for their hearing health,” Onozuka explained.
Each story highlighted the same truth: when someone sees their audiogram in real time, the conversation about their hearing becomes immediate and potentially transformative.
Raising Awareness in a New Way
Testing people in their own environment, rather than a clinic, changed the dynamic. It made the process more comfortable, casual, and personal.
“Meeting people in their environment automatically levels the playing field. People are comfortable, the environment is casual, there’s a sense of personal connection because we’re there for them and looking at the same screen together,” Onozuka said.
That accessibility created opportunities for conversations not only about hearing loss but also about tinnitus, communication strategies, and preventive technologies.
“We have the knowledge and tools to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus from noise exposure; WAHTS is the ideal starting point to deliver that knowledge in a meaningful and impactful way by literally meeting people where they are,” Onozuka emphasized.
Looking Ahead
ATA sees WAHTS as a cornerstone for future outreach events. Its portability and adaptability mean that any place can also be a place for hearing health awareness and care.
“Any time we can do onsite hearing tests, it matters. Ninety percent of individuals with tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss. WAHTS enables you to measure what’s been injured and how that damage affects hearing and communication,” Onozuka noted.
Russell explained that for WAHTS, the mission extends beyond just technology. “We’re excited to partner with organizations like ATA to bring hearing health to underserved communities. For us, it’s not just about the device — it’s about ensuring that people who rely on their hearing, but may not have easy access to care, receive the support they need to thrive.”
As WAHTS evolves, ATA envisions even more powerful features, such as speech-in-noise testing, which will deepen insights and expand impact. The ultimate goal is to make hearing health as routine and accessible as any other part of basic healthcare.
Protecting Hearing, Preserving Music
For musicians and crew, protecting hearing isn’t just about health; it’s about safeguarding careers, creativity, and passion. WAHTS, in partnership with ATA, is helping to deliver that message directly to those who need it most.
At the Kentucky State Fair, music professionals left not only with a clearer understanding of their hearing but also with tools and guidance to help them succeed in a noisy industry. By meeting people where they are, WAHTS made hearing care feel immediate, personal, and actionable.
When sound is your livelihood, hearing health is essential — and WAHTS is ensuring the music can continue for years to come.
