The Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Earmold Clinic, operated by dedicated audiology doctoral students in the CU Boulder Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, proudly partners with the College of Music’s Golden Buffalo Marching Band and Musicians’ Wellness Program, as well as Westone Laboratories, to promote hearing conservation. This collaboration offers student musicians access to custom hearing protection at a heavily discounted rate, safeguarding their hearing despite the high sound levels they face during rehearsals and performances.
The initiative was launched by audiology doctoral students Ana Sanchez and Graham Gansar after a pivotal conversation with Jeff Ipson, director of sales at Westone Laboratories, during the Colorado Academy of Audiology Conference in October 2023. By recognizing the elevated risk of noise-induced hearing loss among musicians, the clinic was established to deliver comprehensive services—ranging from hearing tests and ear mold impressions to earmold fittings with verification measurements and wax removal care.
Since summer 2024, the clinic has helped 114 students and faculty protect their hearing, a milestone that underscores both its success and the growing impact on the community.
This student-led program not only emphasizes hands-on learning—incorporating undergraduate participation for basic tasks and patient interactions—but also serves as a testament to the passion and commitment of its leaders. As fourth-year students Ana Sanchez, Graham Gansar, Vanessa Lucero and Victoria Rivera prepare to embark on their externships, the incoming cohort is eagerly stepping in to carry the torch, ensuring continued support for both musicians and the broader university community.
By making custom hearing protection both affordable and accessible, the Earmold Clinic is fostering a culture of proactive hearing conservation and education. The partnership with Westone Laboratories brings advanced technology and expertise, while the involvement of the CU Boulder Golden Buffalo Marching Band and Musicians’ Wellness Program highlights the real-world impact of these efforts. This initiative is a powerful example of how student-led projects can create lasting change within the university community, ensuring the sounds of music will continue to inspire for generations to come.
For more information about the SAA Earmold Clinic and its services or to schedule an appointment, please email heartest@colorado.edu.
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Protecting the sound of music: Clinic helps 114 individuals and counting – University of Colorado Boulder
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