Sensaphonics hires Dr. Shannon Switzer as Musicians Hearing Clinic Director
Her strong background in both music and audiology makes Sensaphonics the perfect fit for the Northwestern University audiology graduate.
(Chicago, IL – April 13, 2023) Sensaphonics, the innovative custom in-ear monitors (IEM) company and the leading music industry advocate for safe listening, has announced the hiring of Dr. Shannon Switzer, Au.D. as the Director of the Musicians’ Hearing Clinic. Dr. Switzer oversees the operation of the clinic while also seeing clients as their primary audiologist.
“We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Switzer has agreed to take on a full-time role as our Clinic Director,” says Sensaphonics President, Dr. Michael Santucci. “As the only custom IEM manufacturer to also operate a dedicated music audiology practice in its headquarters, Sensaphonics is committed to hearing health, and Shannon brings expertise and passion for both music and audiology, making this a perfect fit.”
Dr. Switzer first became familiar with Sensaphonics while studying for her doctoral degree at Northwestern University. “Since I’m also a musician, the idea of an audiology clinic focusing on musicians completely changed my perspective on how audiologists approach hearing health as a whole,” she relates. “I was lucky enough to do a clinical rotation at Sensaphonics in my second year of grad school, which was an amazing experience. I’ve been working towards specializing in music audiology ever since.”
Originally, Dr. Switzer majored in speech pathology while completing her undergrad degree at the University of Vermont. It wasn’t until her junior year that she was first exposed to audiology. “Frankly, I had no idea the field existed before taking an Audiology 101 course,” says Dr. Switzer. “But within a week of starting that class and learning about the intricacies of sound and hearing, it all just “clicked” and I knew then that audiology would be my life’s purpose.”
After earning her Doctor of Audiology degree in 2017, Dr. Switzer stayed in Chicago, occasionally working with Sensaphonics at music festivals, doing venue visits for touring bands, and serving clients at the Musicians’ Hearing Clinic. After the live music industry made its post-COVID comeback, Dr. Switzer’s role at Sensaphonics grew, fueled largely by her natural affinity for working with musicians.
One key element of her attraction to audiology is Switzer’s love of music. She began playing clarinet at age eight, and was principal clarinetist in the symphonic band for non-music majors at University of Vermont. Currently, Shannon plays in Chicago’s Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band.
“It’s so great to be playing clarinet again,” says Switzer. “I’m really grateful for how well everything has worked out. My first love was always music, and I wanted a career that involved helping people. So really, there could not be a better path for me than practicing at Sensaphonics, where our clinic focuses on preventing hearing loss in musicians, sound engineers, and their crew; all people who use their ears to enrich our lives in such a beautiful way. It’s a dream job for me, and I’m excited to be here.”
The Musicians’ Hearing Clinic is located in Sensaphonics headquarters in downtown Chicago. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. For more information, visit www.sensaphonics.com.