# STL: Getting Geeky with ISOtunes

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2023-07-21
- Length: 52m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes

## Summary

Host Ben and audiologist Dr. Kathleen Wallace discuss hearing health with ISOtunes sales director Eric and new product development lead Ethan, focusing on the dangers of woodworking noise and the importance of protection. They compare passive and active noise cancellation technologies, explaining how ISOtunes' 'Aware Technology' provides situational awareness while maintaining safety. The group details the history of ISOtunes, its roots in the woodworking community, and the technical differences between North American NRR and European SNR ratings. They conclude with practical advice on fitting, testing, and the necessity of regular hearing screenings to prevent irreversible noise-induced hearing loss.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes#t=7) Introduction: Hearing Health and Woodshop Dangers
- [3:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes#t=186) Dr. Kathleen Wallace on Woodworker Hearing Risks
- [9:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes#t=556) Passive vs. Active Noise Cancellation Technology
- [17:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes#t=1063) ISOtunes History and Woodworking Community Roots
- [22:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes#t=1377) Ear Anatomy, Fit, and Comfort Design
- [27:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes#t=1645) NRR vs. SNR Ratings and Testing Standards
- [37:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes#t=2220) SafeMax Technology and Volume Limiting
- [45:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes#t=2703) Hearing Tests, Screening, and Doubling Up

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ISOtunes (company)
- Kathleen Wallace (other)
- Eric (other)
- Ethan (other)
- Pete (other)
- Fine Woodworking (other)
- TikTok (other)
- Hearing Health Foundation (other)
- Beats (product)
- Sony (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [175 - Hearing Aid Innovations and Why Hearing Loss Is More Dangerous Than You Think with Bill Facteau](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2025-02-12-175-hearing-aid-innovations-and-why-hearing-loss-is-more-dangerous-than-you-thin) (Let's Combinate)
- [High End Audio with Remco Stoutjesdijk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-10-04-high-end-audio-with-remco-stoutjesdijk) (The Amp Hour)
- [132 - IEC 60601, A Life Without Standards, Evolution of Standards, Standards Development, and Emerging Technologies with Leo Eisner](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-04-17-132-iec-60601-a-life-without-standards-evolution-of-standards-standards-developm) (Let's Combinate)
- [041: Testing Stereo Components with Jay DeMerit of RockIt Logs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs) (Product Startup)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2023-07-21-stl-getting-geeky-with-isotunes. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Shop Talk Live.