Unplugs Hearing Named Finalist in Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards
News related to:Unplugs Hearing · 2 min read
Unplugs Hearing, a hearing technology company founded by Tom Worcester, has been named a finalist in the Fast Company 2026 Innovation by Design Awards. The company's innovative earplugs, which allow users to switch between full protection and transparency modes with a single click, have earned recognition in the On the Rise: 0-4 Years in Business category.
Worcester, who has worn hearing aids since the age of four, teamed up with his childhood audiologist, Dr. Natan Bauman, to develop Unplugs. Bauman, the inventor of the "receiver in canal" hearing aid, now the most widely used technology in the world, brought his expertise in hearing technology to the project. Together, they aimed to solve the common dilemma of traditional earplugs, which force users to choose between reducing sound and staying connected to their surroundings.
Unplugs' patented mechanical switching system allows wearers to easily toggle between sound-reduction and conversation modes. Unlike traditional earplugs that muffle sound, Unplugs selectively reduce volume while maintaining audio clarity. This design enables users to protect their hearing without disconnecting from the world around them, addressing a long-standing frustration in the hearing protection market.
The Innovation by Design Awards, now in its 15th year, celebrate the designers and businesses addressing today's most urgent challenges while anticipating the problems of tomorrow. The program highlights work that exemplifies originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural significance, and measurable business impact.
Unplugs' technology solves common limitations of traditional hearing protection, including the difficulty of moving between loud environments and conversation. The company's earplugs offer a seamless experience, allowing users to enjoy music, conversations, and full sensory experiences without compromising their hearing health.
The Innovation by Design Awards honor the ideas that challenge convention and show what's possible when design is treated as a strategic force. This year's honorees demonstrate how thoughtful design can solve meaningful problems and create new possibilities for people and businesses.
The complete list of honorees can be found on Fast Company's website, and the winners will be featured in the Fall issue of the magazine, which will be available on newsstands on September 22, 2026.