Hearing Wellness Week 2026
A hybrid line up of in person and virtual events. London, March'26: Be part of the UK's first audio inclusive movement.
Returning for its second year, Hearing Wellness Week reimagines how we experience sound - proving that noise doesn't have to be a barrier to social connection. From audio-inclusive gigs to online food and sound pairing experiences, the programme celebrates sound in all its forms designed for both the noise-sensitive community and the sound-curious alike.
What's On in 2026
With accessibility and inclusivity at its heart, Hearing Wellness Week offers something for everyone from moments of reflection and calm to joyful, multisensory celebrations.
Workplace Wellness Workshop
Creating high-performance environments through sound. Sponsored by Lucidica.
Tuesday 3 March
13:00 - 14:00
Brickfields Workspace, Mortar Meeting Room
Audio Inclusive Gig
Featuring Madeleine Thorp & Caleb Kunale
Tuesday 3 March
19:30 - 22:00
Paperdress Vintage
Audio Inclusive Gig
Featuring George Crotty Trio
Thursday 5 March
19:45 - 22:00
Vortex Jazz Club
Audio Inclusive Gig
Featuring Sophie Wright and Adam Beattie
Sunday 8 March
19:00 - 22:00
SJQ
Sonic Seasoning
A Virtual Food & Sound Pairing Workshop with Goodie Bag
Saturday 7 March
20:00 - 21:00
Online
Guided Quiet Walk
Hackney Guided Quiet Walk in Partnership with Footways
Saturday 7 March
14:00 - 15:00
Hackney London
More experiences to be announced.
Featured Sownd Certified Venues
Experience events at London's first Sownd Certified venues - spaces that have been acoustically upgraded to provide exceptional sound quality whilst maintaining comfort for noise-sensitive audiences.
Paper Dress Vintage
352a Mare Street, London E8 1HR
One of the first venues in the UK to achieve Sownd Certification. This intimate East London space has been acoustically upgraded to deliver crystal-clear sound without overwhelming volume, creating the perfect environment for conscious live music.
Vortex Jazz Club
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
A legendary jazz venue reimagined for audio inclusivity. With carefully calibrated acoustics and sound management, Vortex proves that world-class jazz can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with hearing sensitivities.
SJQ
10A Bradbury Street, London N16 8JN
A pioneering music venue that sets the standard for audio-inclusive experiences. SJQ's acoustic upgrades demonstrate how thoughtful sound design enhances the experience for all audiences, from the noise-sensitive to dedicated music lovers.
Event Partner
Flare Calmer: Hear the Difference
We're proud to announce Flare Audio as our lead sponsor. Their innovative Calmer® ear tool helps to reduce your stress response to everyday noise without blocking sound. Sign up for a chance to win a pair of Calmer ear plugs.
Who we're working with
Supported by leading organisations across health, government, and community sectors
What’s It All About
Noise pollution is the second most harmful environmental health issue, yet one in three people are sensitive to it—including those who are hard of hearing, neurodivergent, living with tinnitus or hyperacusis, and the over 55s. Many avoid social events altogether due to fear of noise overwhelm.
Our programme, curated by the noise-sensitive community challenges this. From quiet city guided walks to audio-inclusive live music gigs, each event celebrates sound and audio comfort as pathways to belonging. There's also a virtual food and sound pairing workshop with world-renowned gastro-physicist Charles Spence, delivering a whole new perspective on how sound shapes our perception of taste.
When sound is consciously designed for inclusion, no one has to choose between connection and comfort and the experience is elevated for all.
Who is our week for?
Hackney is leading the way as the UK’s first audio inclusive borough, creating spaces where 1 in 3 of us who are noise sensitive can enjoy culture, connection, and community without the overwhelm.
- ✅People who feel overstimulated or excluded in noisy spaces
- ✅Neurodivergent community, hard of hearing, tinnitus, misophonia, hyperacusis
- ✅Anyone over 50 experiencing age-related hearing changes
- ✅Culture lovers seeking inclusive, sensory-conscious events
A word from the Mayor of Hackney
on why Hackney is championing Hearing Wellness Week
Join our community
Sign up to our newsletter and join a community of noise sensitive people looking for better sound experiences just like you. Sign up for a chance to win a pair of Flare calmer ear plugs.
❓ FAQs
How do I attend?
Sign up to our mailing list, we’ll email you as soon as tickets and wristbands are available. Many events are free, but spaces are limited.
Where is it happening?
Across Hackney, from cultural venues like Mama Shelter to community spaces hosting sound baths, workshops, and panel talks.
Who is it for?
Everyone. Whether you’re noise-sensitive, neurodivergent, hard of hearing, or simply curious about sound, there’s something for you.
Why Hackney?
Hackney is leading the UK’s journey to become the first Audio Inclusive Borough, showcasing how hearing wellness can shape better community experiences for all.
Do I need any special equipment?
No. Just bring an open mind and a willingness to listen differently.