SHOEBOX PureTest Recognized with 2026 Hearing Technology Innovator Award for Boothless Testing Solutions

SHOEBOX PureTest Recognized with 2026 Hearing Technology Innovator Award

In a remarkable demonstration of innovation in the field of audiology, SHOEBOX has announced that its product, SHOEBOX PureTest™, has won the prestigious 2026 Hearing Technology Innovator Award in the Equipment, Audiometry category. This accolade comes from the Hearing Health Technology Matters (HHTM) awards program, which recognizes companies that are leading advancements within the hearing industry.

SHOEBOX has pioneered boothless hearing testing solutions compliant with OSHA regulations, making significant strides in the way occupational hearing tests are conducted. With the ability to administer accurate, on-site hearing assessments without the constraints of traditional sound booths, SHOEBOX PureTest has fundamentally transformed the landscape of hearing conservation programs in workplaces.

This achievement marks the fifth win for SHOEBOX in the Hearing Technology Innovator Awards since 2020, and it's particularly notable for its back-to-back wins following the 2025 award for Hearing Conservation Software. In addition to this honor, SHOEBOX has garnered significant recognition with three consecutive Occupational Health Safety Industrial Hygiene Awards from 2023 to 2025 and the inaugural AIHA Connect Spirit of Innovation Award in 2025.

Uttam Varma, SHOEBOX’s Senior Product Manager, expressed pride in their continued commitment to providing reliable solutions for hearing conservation. “Reliable hearing testing is the foundation of every effective hearing conservation program,” he stated. He emphasized that the development of SHOEBOX PureTest was driven by the need to empower employers to conduct hearing tests on their schedules, effectively managing the testing process internally without the logistical challenges previously presented by dependence on external facilities.

The SHOEBOX PureTest system combines an intuitive iPad-based audiometer with advanced data management tools and compliance tracking features. One of its standout elements is the incorporation of patent-pending REACT Safeguards™, which actively monitor environmental noise levels during tests. If the background sound exceeds acceptable limits, the system automatically pauses the test and rechecks results for accuracy, ensuring the ongoing reliability of the testing. The efficacy of SHOEBOX PureTest has been validated through multiple peer-reviewed studies against traditional booth-based testing methodologies, confirming its accuracy and reliability in real-world settings.

By providing a portable solution, employers can conduct tests year-round, thereby aligning the testing process with employee schedules and operational requirements. This flexibility mitigates the strain of organizing a singular annual testing event and also streamlines retesting as necessary. Moreover, employees can engage with the testing process autonomously or with assistance, catering to individual preferences and needs, ultimately enhancing their comfort and participation in hearing conservation initiatives.

Data gathered during testing feed directly into a centralized Data Management Portal, facilitating efficient record-keeping, reporting, and integration with existing occupational health systems. The newly introduced Compliance Dashboard offers a real-time overview of compliance statuses across an organization, ensuring that employees with overdue tests or who require follow-up testing are easily identified. SHOEBOX’s commitment to data security is evident through its ISO 27001 certification and the use of HIPAA-compliant cloud storage for sensitive health information.

Julian Bromwich, co-founder and Chief Technology Innovation Officer of SHOEBOX, stated that the core mission of the company has always revolved around making accurate hearing testing more accessible across diverse settings, befitting environments such as workplaces, clinical settings, and pharmaceutical research trials. “Accurate hearing testing should be accessible to more people, in more places. That belief has guided our efforts for the last decade,” he affirmed.

The Hearing Technology Innovator Awards aim to spotlight emerging technologies and services that are positively impacting the hearing industry, and since its inception, the program has contributed significant funds towards hearing-related charities—a testament to its commitment to the broader community.

For those interested in learning more about the SHOEBOX PureTest, additional information is available on their official website. With this latest accolade, SHOEBOX continues to lead the way in innovative hearing solutions that enhance workplace safety and employee health.