AIHA is proud to announce that SHOEBOX, a division of WS Audiology, has been named the winner of the inaugural Spirit of Innovation Award—the SPINNY—at AIHA Connect 2025, held in Kansas City, MO, May 19-21, 2025. SHOEBOX won this year’s top honor for its groundbreaking SHEOBOX PureTest solution. Designed to revolutionize how environmental and occupational health professionals test and monitor hearing in the workplace, SHOEBOX PureTest integrates portability, a user-friendly interface, and clinical-grade accuracy into a single, accessible device.
“SHOEBOX exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking ingenuity we had in mind when launching the Spirit of Innovation Award,” said AIHA CEO Lawrence D. Sloan, FASAE, CAE. “SHOEBOX PureTest offers a unique blend of mobility, efficiency, and effectiveness that enhances workplace safety and expands access to reliable hearing testing—particularly for field and remote operations.”
Selected by votes of in-person and virtual conference attendees, the SPINNY Award celebrates the vital role of innovation in shaping the future of occupational and environmental health and safety. SHOEBOX PureTest stood out for its approach to hearing health monitoring, promising to set a new standard across industries.
SHOEBOX developed the first ever iPad-based audiometer and released PureTest specifically for occupational hearing conservation, eliminating the need for sound booths during OSHA- mandated annual testing. With best-in-class ambient noise monitoring, SHOEBOX PureTest ensures the testing environment meets ANSI and OSHA standards. It’s an ideal solution for companies managing their own hearing conservation programs or service providers managing programs for others, enabling OSHA-compliant workplace hearing testing anywhere.
“We're honored to receive the first-ever Spirit of Innovation Award,” said Rob Walesa, VP of Diagnostic Solutions at WS Audiology. “This recognition affirms our commitment to transforming hearing testing through innovative technology. It’s a testament to the passion and dedication of our incredible team.”
AIHA congratulates SHOEBOX and thanks all the exhibitors who continue to drive progress and creativity in the field. The 2026 SPINNYs will return to AIHA Connect 2026, June 1-3 in New Orleans, LA, continuing to highlight the products and solutions that define the next generation of worker health and safety tools.
About SHOEBOX
For the last decade, SHOEBOX has been leading the evolution of hearing testing solutions for occupational hearing conservation. For more information on SHOEBOX PureTest, visit www.shoebox.md.
About AIHA Connect
AIHA Connect is the “must-attend” event for OEHS professionals at all levels. The annual conference focuses on the important trends, needs, research, technologies, training, and connections that make OEHS professionals more efficient in their pursuit of protecting workerand community health worldwide.
About AIHA
AIHA is the association for scientists and professionals committed to ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety in the workplace and community. Founded in 1939, we support our members with our expertise, networks, education programs, and other products and services that help them maintain the highest professional standards. AIHA serves those employed across the public and private sectors, as well as to the communities in which they work. For more information, visit www.aiha.org
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