Hearing Health:

An Open Dialogue on Preserving Our Most Vital Instrument

Friday 16th October 
12pm - 2pm 
Online

Your hearing is easy to take for granted — until it's not. In line with National Audiology Month, join us for a session dedicated to understanding, protecting, and living well with your hearing.

We'll hear from Jon Burton Sound Engineer, about HELA's mission and the research and training opportunities available through the organisation, alongside practical guidance from audiologist Laura Sinnott, AuD, on protecting your hearing and minimising damage before it happens — the kind of everyday advice that's easy to miss until it's too late! We'll also hear a candid, personal account from John Owens of Meyer Sound, sharing his own experience as a hearing aid user and making the case for de-stigmatising hearing impairment and building real understanding around it.

We'll close with an open Q&A — bring your questions, whether clinical, personal, or practical

Whether you're protecting your hearing, supporting someone who isn't, or simply curious, this session offers something worth hearing.

About Jon Burton

Jon Burton is a Senior Lecturer in Entertainment Engineering at the University of Derby, with over 35 years’ experience as a live sound engineer. His touring career has included working with artists as diverse as Pulp, Radiohead and, for 20 years, The Prodigy, taking him to major venues and festivals around the world. Stepping back from touring in 2019, Jon now lectures on a wide range of audio and entertainment-related areas, sharing his extensive industry knowledge with the next generation of practitioners.

Jon has also worked in television and radio, further broadening his understanding of audio production across different media. He is the co-owner of a five-room studio complex in Sheffield, which he designed and built with his business partner and where he continues to be actively involved in recording and production projects. Jon is currently studying part time for a PhD in audience auditory experiences, bringing together his professional practice and research interests to explore how audiences perceive and engage with sound in live and mediated environments.

Jon helped found HELA Initiative after recognising a widespread need for clearer knowledge and understanding of key sound concepts across the industry.

About Laura Sinnott

A long time audio engineer, Laura career-expanded into hearing health after years working in the NYC film industry. Laura provides on-site hearing preservation programs for orchestras and universities, and video consultations with music industry professionals through the Tuned platform. Laura holds a Doctorate of Audiology degree from CUNY, a Master’s in Music Technology from NYU and a Bachelor’s in Music Industry Studies from CU Denver. She regularly presents on various hearing health topics at conferences, most recently the Audio Engineering Society and National Hearing Conservation Association.

About John Owens

John Owens is the Business Development Manager for Constellation at Meyer Sound. With extensive experience in venue development, active acoustics, and immersive audio technologies, he works with leading cultural, educational, and entertainment organisations worldwide to create flexible acoustic environments that support artistic experiences.

Before this role John worked in theatre sound for 25 years as a systems designer, production sound engineer, associate sound designer and sound designer. From 2013 he worked for the theatre consultancy Charcoalblue in the US and ultimately was the partner in charge of North American operations.

Please note, the ASDP reserves the right to make changes to the programme without prior notice. Such alterations may occasionally be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control.

All events will be filmed and photographed - your presence confirms your permission for the ASDP to use any images or recordings of you in our publicity materials and seminar archive.

The ASDP does not accept responsibility for anyone acting as a result of information or views expressed on its training courses including course material. Opinions expressed are those of individual trainers and not necessarily those of the ASDP. Participants should take professional advice when dealing with specific situations.