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WHY RESEARCH IMPACT NEXT STEPS RESOURCES CONTACT

Listening. Identity. Hearing Health.

A teen-led initiative to improve the way teens engage with sound — and to understand how to create a culture of protection.

hum.audio is an applied design concept that grew out of my research — a way to explore whether hearing protection can feel expressive rather than restrictive for teens.

- Ellis B, North Hollywood High School Class of 2027

THE PROJECT

THE RESEARCH BEHIND HUM.AUDIO

SUMMARY

WHY WE DID THIS

Most research looks at classrooms and music rooms separately—but students move between both every day. We wanted to ask a simple question: Are the spaces where students learn and play music actually safe for their hearing?

WHAT WE STUDIED

We tested real school rooms to see how sound behaves in each space: 2 regular classrooms and 2 music rooms (band/choir). We measured reverberation time (RT60), explained simply as how long sound hangs in the air after it is made. Longer reverberation means louder, more intense sound exposure; shorter reverberation means clearer, safer listening. Room size and materials were considered because design affects sound and sound affects hearing.

HOW WE DID IT

Rooms were measured while empty for consistency, the same test sound was played in each room, and an iPhone plus acoustic app was used to track sound decay. Each test was repeated 3 times for accuracy.

WHY THIS RESEARCH EXISTS

Hearing health matters – but for many teens, it feels invisible. This initiative was created to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, empowering teens and their partners to make sound decisions for their hearing future.

  • Addressing rising rates of hearing issues among youth
  • Building awareness in a relatable, positive way
  • Focusing on empowerment, not fear

WHAT I’M STUDYING

We’re exploring how teens and their partners experience sound, risk, and hearing protection in everyday spaces—online and offline. This research blends behavioral science and design methods for real-life impact.

  • Attitudes and habits about sound exposure
  • Barriers and motivators for hearing protection
  • Designing solutions with and for teens

HOW THE RESEARCH IS BEING CONDUCTED

Through hum.audio, teens and their partners co-create and test expressive tools for hearing health. We are partnering with people who love music (educators, musicians and the eco-system around them) to figure out how to facilitate a life-time love of listening and experiencing. 

  • Collaborative, youth-centered workshops
  • Real-world, creative prototyping
  • Open, ongoing feedback loops

FROM RESEARCH TO REAL-WORLD SOLUTIONS

Everything we learn is put into action—turning insights into fun, practical hearing protection concepts, campaigns, and shareable resources teens actually want to use.

  • Prototype expressive hearing protection
  • Peer-driven social campaigns
  • Resources for both teens and their partners

VOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY

We’re partnering with creators, audiologists, and designers to bring a spectrum of perspectives to the table. Hear from leaders shaping the future of hearing protection and audio design.

  • Featured interviews and Q&As
  • Expert advice for real-world change
  • Spotlights on innovative products

WHAT COMES NEXT

Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing updates, resources, and opportunities to get involved as the project grows. Want to participate or just curious? Connect with us below.

  • Sign up for the latest news
  • Be part of feedback sessions
  • Help shape the future of hearing health

CONTACT

We’d love to hear from you! Have questions, want to partner, or just say hi? Email [email protected].

HUM.AUDIO: AN EXPRESSIVE DESIGN CONCEPT FOR CREATIVE, REAL-WORLD HEARING PROTECTION.

HUM.AUDIO

IMPACT

We are translating lived experience into measurable change for teens who deserve to hear themselves—and each other—clearly.

Thousands of hearing devices have been procured for middle school music students, ensuring rehearsal spaces are no longer a barrier to belonging.

Alongside distribution, we collect detailed data on the interventions required in physical spaces—rehearsal rooms, band halls, and school music environments—so support can be designed around real acoustics, not assumptions.

REAL-WORLD OUTCOME

Devices placed directly into classrooms where teens practice, perform, and build confidence together.

EVIDENCE-LED CHANGE

Field data informs how schools adapt their spaces, creating safer soundscapes for every student.

HUM.AUDIO ROADMAP

NEXT STEPS

We are moving from conversation to creation. The next phase centers on a prototype product designed with teens, by teens, so it feels culturally relevant, supportive, and authentic.

As we build, we will keep sharing research learnings and inviting the community into testing, feedback, and collaboration.

PROTOTYPE BUILD RESEARCH UPDATES COMMUNITY COLLABS

Prototype with cultural resonance

Co-designing a listening experience that reflects teen culture — sound, style, and language that feel familiar, not clinical.

Research + progress notes

Sharing what we learn along the way — insights on hearing health, youth design, and emerging needs.

Opportunities to participate

Inviting teens, partners, and educators to test ideas, share stories, and shape the next version.

Future collaborations

Building a network of creative, clinical, and community partners who believe in youth-led change.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• A prototype experience shaped by teen feedback and real-world listening environments.

• Regular updates on milestones, research highlights, and community learnings.

• Invitations to pilot sessions and future collaborative workshops.

HUM.AUDIO

RESOURCES

Curated research and guidance for students, educators, and supporters. These sources are trusted, science-based, and focused on prevention, youth hearing health, and community impact.

CONTACT

Let’s stay connected.

Questions, partnerships, or participation ideas? We’d love to hear from you. Our team is building a supportive, teen-forward space for hearing health — and your voice matters.

Reach out anytime and we’ll respond with care and clarity.

EMAIL
[email protected]

We welcome educators, audiologists, teens, and partners who want to help shape a more inclusive future.

WHY

WHY: THE SILENT CRISIS

Today, 1 in 6 teenagers suffer from noise-induced hearing loss—a permanent condition that is almost often preventable. For student musicians, the very passion they pursue in the band room often puts their long-term health at risk.

FOUNDER STATEMENT

"The idea for Hum Audio didn't start in a lab; it started in my brother’s middle school band room. Watching him sit directly in the line of projection of the trumpet section, I realized that for thousands of student musicians, the 'line of fire' is just part of the daily routine. I founded Hum Audio to turn that personal concern into a national standard—providing the data, the advocacy, and the protection every student deserves."

— ELLIS B., FOUNDER, HUM.AUDIO & 11th GradE STUDENT

FROM ADVOCACY TO ACTION

We transformed concern into concrete, school-centered initiatives.

  • Secured thousands of high-quality earplug donations to get protection into students’ hands immediately.

  • Partnered with LAUSD music directors and faculty to study the unique acoustic environments of school rehearsal spaces.

  • Developing data-driven interventions to help schools implement better acoustic design and safety standards.

OUR VISION

We aren't just providing earplugs; we are redesigning the student musician experience. By collaborating with educators and using data to drive change, Hum.Audio aims to set a new national standard for auditory health in schools—starting right here in Los Angeles.