We are delighted to introduce a stunning new cover series by Dyon Scheijen, a Maastricht-based clinical physicist-audiologist and artist fascinated by the psychology of hearing. Dyon explores the connection between audiology, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and sound perception. He believes hearing extends beyond the ears – it shapes our connection to the world. Through his company, Art of Hearing, he combines science and art to inspire fresh perspectives on hearing. Dyon shares more about his work:
“I work at the Adelante Tinnitus Expertise Center in Hoensbroek, the Netherlands, specialising in tinnitus and related hearing disorders. I also serve as a medical advisor for Stichting Hoormij, a Dutch patient association. In addition to my clinical and research work, I create and exhibit art on acoustically absorbing canvases, blending aesthetics with function to improve both sound and space. My keynote talks focus on transformation, resilience and the art of listening, bridging the gap between audiology, psychology and creativity:
I am honoured to share these six unique stories in the hope that we can create meaningful connections between audiology and art. For years, I have been working on the art project ‘Where ART meets Science’, striving to unite two fields that have traditionally existed in isolation. People have known me either as an audiologist or as an artist, but I have merged these worlds by creating acoustic art – paintings on large-scale sound-absorbing canvases that improve acoustics while raising awareness about the impact of soft materials in creating a pleasant soundscape. Art is, at its core, a way of telling stories. It connects us, evokes emotion and sparks conversation. Whether it’s a grand masterpiece or a simple banana taped to a wall, it’s the story behind the art that gives it meaning and power. The same is true for hearing – without the ability to truly hear one another, stories lose their depth and connections fade. Just as a well-told story can transform an ordinary object into a global sensation, the act of listening can transform relationships and experiences. By combining audiology and art, we can deepen our understanding of both and, perhaps, our understanding of each other.
Adelante’s acoustic transformation
This diptych was commissioned for Adelante’s boardroom. Previously, this room had poor acoustics, leading to significant fatigue and exhaustion during meetings. I was tasked with creating a piece that complemented the room while addressing its acoustic challenges. Incorporating Adelante’s signature colours and my signature golden stripes, the artwork symbolises the challenges of audiological rehabilitation. The textured golden lines represent scars of pain or tinnitus – challenges that cannot be eliminated but can be integrated into life. This reflects ACT principles, demonstrating how we can carry these difficulties as part of the whole. This piece demonstrates how art, ACT and audiology can create meaningful, practical solutions.
A tribute to Maastricht and hearing loss awareness
This 2.25-metre-high by 1.20-metre-wide artwork now resides with a family whose child has hearing loss. They purchased the piece from my collection, inspired by the city of Maastricht. The artwork draws inspiration from a photograph by Guy van Grinsven, a renowned Maastricht photographer who tragically passed away from ALS. Just before his passing, the family had the opportunity to acquire this photo, which served as the basis for my painting.
The artwork depicts the River Meuse, with a view toward Sint Pieter, the residence of world-famous violinist André Rieu. The mysterious atmosphere of a Sunday morning, the symmetry of reflections on the water, and the carefully composed colour palette make this an emotionally resonant piece for the family.
Every time they look at it, they feel a profound connection.
A close-up of the gold leaf
A close-up of the gold leaf – one of my signature elements. Golden ridges built up with medium, covered with a delicate layer of gold.
These lines remind me of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Instead of hiding cracks, kintsugi highlights them, turning scars into something beautiful. The golden streaks on my canvas do the same. They symbolise life’s wounds – not to be erased, but to be embraced.
The colours of my artworks represent life; the golden ridges, the pain we carry. Some pains never fully heal, like the loss of a loved one or the impact of hearing loss. In ACT, we learn that accepting pain doesn’t mean giving up - it means allowing it to be part of our story.
Art can be a guide in this process. A large artwork in a home is more than decoration – it’s an anchor, a place for reflection and stillness. It reminds us that life is full of colour, even when challenges leave their marks.
The golden layer also represents support – whether from loved ones or professionals – helping us carry what cannot be fixed. And in that support, in that acceptance, we find strength.
The 6-metre triptych for the Valkenburg Museum
This impressive 6-metre-wide by 2-metre-high triptych was created for an exhibition at the Valkenburg Museum. The artwork served as the centrepiece of the exhibit, embodying the intersection of art and audiology.
The triptych’s expansive scale allowed for a bold expression of themes central to both disciplines – connection, perception and transformation. The textures and golden lines, characteristic of my style, symbolise the scars and challenges we carry in life. These imperfections are not to be hidden but embraced as part of the whole, reflecting the resilience and growth that both art and audiology aim to inspire.
This artwork also emphasises the sensory experience of sound and silence. In a museum setting, where the acoustics can amplify or distort the visitor’s experience, this piece not only adds aesthetic value but also subtly enhances the acoustic environment, ensuring a more immersive and harmonious atmosphere.
Including this triptych in the project provides an opportunity to discuss the broader implications of acoustics in public spaces like museums, and how art can actively contribute to both visual and auditory comfort.
The story of Martin Stollman’s acoustic diptych
My colleague, Martin Stollman, a fellow clinical physicist audiologist, resides in a beautifully renovated former monastery. While the high walls and stunning architectural details of his home are captivating, the acoustics left much to be desired. Martin asked me to create a large diptych tailored to his home’s design. Together, we discussed form, colour, and texture, resulting in a piece that harmonises with his modern interior while adding warmth to the acoustic environment.
Notably, the process of installing the artwork also exemplified good hearing care. As audiologists, we wore earplugs during drilling and hanging to protect our hearing – a subtle yet powerful reminder to lead by example.
Take a look at the gallery below for the next ENT & Audiology News covers and other works by Dyon Scheijen
