Sydney Symphony Orchestra Launches Innovative Hearing Management System

The Australian startup Sottovoce has introduced a revolutionary hardware and software solution designed to enhance hearing safety in the performing arts. This innovative system provides real-time noise exposure data for musicians, helping to mitigate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Developed by sound designer and audio engineer Des O’Neill alongside Grammy-award-winning studio engineer and software developer Tony David Cray, Sottovoce aims to address a critical issue affecting musicians worldwide.

The system utilizes small devices known as Aria Tags, which monitor sound levels and deliver instant feedback to musicians and orchestras. By tracking exposure levels, Sottovoce facilitates improvements in auditory health and safety practices within the performing arts sector. This initiative comes at a time when studies indicate that professional musicians are significantly more likely to experience noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus compared to the general population.

The urgency surrounding this issue was underscored by the landmark legal ruling in Goldscheider vs Royal Opera House in 2019, which awarded £750,000 to a musician and established that orchestras have a legal obligation to prevent hearing damage. As a result, the need for effective monitoring and preventive measures has never been more pressing.

Collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has taken a pioneering role in the adoption of Sottovoce, contributing to the design and implementation of the platform. Production Manager Elissa Seed emphasized the practical benefits of the system, stating, “The Tags are tiny, placed to monitor each musician, and invisible to audiences. The heat map helps us deploy our resources effectively, whether that’s telling musicians to use their own PPE or to use other mitigation methods.”

The accessibility of the data is another key advantage. With all information stored in the cloud, musicians and orchestral management can access it via any computer or mobile device at any time, enhancing convenience and responsiveness.

Industry Recognition and Future Outlook

The significance of addressing noise exposure as an industry-wide concern was a central theme at the “Orchestras NOW!” conference held in Wrocław, Poland in September 2023. Esteemed experts, including representatives from the BBC Philharmonic and ARUP, engaged in discussions about how orchestras can better support musician wellbeing. Sottovoce was also showcased at the prestigious League of American Orchestras Conference in Salt Lake City and the ABO Conference in the UK earlier in 2025, further solidifying its place in the global conversation about occupational health in the arts.

In recognition of its innovative impact, Sottovoce received an Australian Good Design Award in 2024, highlighting its significant contribution to improving the auditory health of musicians. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of transforming the soundscape of orchestras and ensuring the wellbeing of artists for years to come.