Colorado Symphony Deploys Sensaphonics 3DME Active Ambient In-Ear Monitoring System

	Dr. Caleb Kronen, AuD, director of hearing conservation at the Marion Downs Center

The Colorado Symphony has implemented an orchestra-wide hearing protection initiative, equipping its full-time musicians with Sensaphonics 3DME Active Ambient in-ear monitoring systems in a move that advances both musicians' hearing health and their on-stage performance. Developed in collaboration with the Marion Downs Center and led by audiologist Dr. Caleb Kronen, AuD, the project represents one of the most comprehensive hearing conservation efforts in the orchestral world to date.

For professional musicians, hearing is their most valuable asset, yet even orchestral environments can regularly exceed safe listening thresholds. Sound levels from personal and nearby instruments, as well as in large or amplified performance settings, can exceed 90dB, putting musicians at risk of long-term hearing damage. While passive, filtered earplugs have been the traditional hearing protection option for musicians, many orchestral professionals require devices with multiple modalities to better match their dynamic listening needs.

The Colorado Symphony's adoption of Sensaphonics 3DME systems addresses that challenge directly. The 3DME earphones contain built-in ambient microphones that accurately replicate the musicians' natural listening environment. The musicians may then use the 3DME's dedicated app to customize the sound in each ear. The system combines custom-molded, biocompatible silicone earpieces (or three sizes of memory foam ear tips included with the universal-fit systems used for guest artists and performers) with built-in ambient microphones and personal control, allowing musicians to reduce harmful sound exposure while maintaining a natural listening experience. The system provides users with access to independent level adjustment in 2dB increments, seven bands of stereo EQ, and a limiter to help prevent sudden volume spikes. This unprecedented real-time control allows musicians to engage or disengage active hearing protection as listening needs change throughout their performance. The result is not only hearing protection but improved clarity and communication on performance stages of all varieties.

Given the varying needs of different instruments and ear anatomies across the orchestra, the Colorado Symphony opted to custom-mold the majority of units using precise ear canal impressions taken onsite by audiologists from the Marion Downs Center. Custom earpieces offer superior fit, stability, comfort and isolation, allowing musicians to achieve clearer, more consistent monitoring at lower volumes, supporting both performance and long-term hearing health. To complement the custom-molded units, a number of universal-fit systems were also deployed to provide flexible, ready-to-use solutions for substitute musicians, ensuring immediate accessibility without the need for individual ear impressions while still delivering high-quality hearing protection and monitoring.

"Functionally, these devices allow each musician to tailor their hearing protection to their unique needs in a way that was not possible before, recognizing that every instrument and section presents different auditory challenges," states Dr. Kronen, who played a central role in the project's development and execution. "Further, by partnering with the Marion Downs Center to implement this technology and provide integrated hearing health education, the Colorado Symphony is taking a groundbreaking step in preserving its musicians' hearing, as well as prolonging their careers."

This initiative was made possible by a donation honoring Penny Burke, a passionate music lover and advocate for hearing protection. Her husband Tim funded the implementation of 100 3DME systems for Colorado Symphony musicians in her memory. Penny's lifelong appreciation for music and commitment to safe listening inspired the gift, supporting both the musicians' long-term hearing health and the continued sharing of their artistry.

Beyond providing enhanced, tunable hearing protection, the 3DME is said to enable new performance capabilities across a wide range of applications. In traditional orchestral settings, musicians benefit from individually tailored on-stage listening and balance. In modern and crossover performances -- including film scores with click tracks and collaborations with amplified artists -- musicians can integrate external audio sources while still hearing the natural acoustic environment. Essentially, this allows the user to dial in their ideal amount of a featured element, such as lead vocal, backing tracks, or click, into their personal mix. This flexibility is particularly valuable during the orchestra's performances at high-profile venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where elevated sound levels are common.

Orchestra members report that the system enhances both comfort and confidence in these demanding environments. The ability to customize volume, apply EQ and set safe listening limits allows each player to tailor their experience based on instrument, position and personal hearing needs.

"At the Colorado Symphony, we are committed to supporting the artistry, well-being, and longevity of our musicians," says Daniel Wachter, president and CEO of the Colorado Symphony. "This initiative reflects our belief that philanthropy can have a direct and lasting impact on the musicians who bring our mission to life every day. Through the generosity of Tim Burke in honor of Penny Burke, we have been able to invest in innovative technology that protects our musicians' most valuable asset while enhancing their ability to perform at the highest artistic level. We are delighted to partner with Sensaphonics and the Marion Downs Center on a groundbreaking effort that not only protects our musicians' hearing health, but also enhances their ability to perform at the highest artistic level for our audiences and community."

Central to the success of the project was its on-site implementation. The Marion Downs Center audiology team conducted hearing assessments, took custom ear impressions and performed fittings directly at the symphony's facilities. This streamlined, in-place process minimized disruption for musicians and demonstrated a practical, scalable approach for other orchestras considering similar initiatives.

"This project shows that large-scale hearing protection is not only possible, but achievable in a way that integrates seamlessly into an orchestra's workflow," Dr. Kronen adds.

Sensaphonics founder and president, Dr. Michael Santucci, AuD, adds: "By investing in both technology and education, the Colorado Symphony has established a forward-looking model that prioritizes the longevity, well-being and performance of its musicians. The project serves as a compelling case study for orchestras nationwide, demonstrating how hearing health, artistic excellence and innovation can work hand-in-hand."

The 3DME system is said to combine high-fidelity in-ear sound with adjustable ambient input via built-in MEMS microphones. This proprietary 3D Active Ambient technology enables musicians, engineers, and audiophiles to hear both their performance and their environment with exceptional clarity and control. Available with Sensaphonics' soft silicone custom impressions or with high-performance universal fit configurations, 3DME brings immersive, natural monitoring to stages, studios, and personal listening environments alike. Controlled by the 3DME BT G2 companion app, the 3DME offers users 7-band stereo EQ, limiter, and customizable monitoring controls.