Preventing Hearing Loss: Algonquin College Learners Win Inaugural OGCA Showcase

NoiseGuard Pro earns first place in a province-wide construction innovation competition.

Algonquin College learners Hailun Song and Aysil Hasan made history as the winners of the inaugural General's Lab Innovation Program (GLIP), a collaboration between the Ontario General Contractors Association and Ontario postsecondary institutions.

Song, a learner in Algonquin College's Construction Engineering Technician program, developed the concept and led the pitch for a wearable noise dosimeter that helps prevent hearing loss, working alongside teammates Aysil Hasan, a learner in the Bachelor of Science (Building Science) program, and Dylan Schmidt, a learner in Mechanical Engineering at Carleton University.

Developing NoiseGuard Pro

Completed over an eight-month period, the GLIP was the first of its kind, offering hands-on learning, entrepreneurial experience and industry mentorship. The program was presented in two phases; phase one focused on brainstorming, mentorship, narrowing a topic and compiling a pitch, whereas phase two focused on further developing the story and product prototype, finishing with an Ontario-wide competition with learners from universities and colleges across the province.

In spring 2026, during phase one, Song was completing her co-op with the Design and Construction team at the National Capital Commission (NCC). Working in the industry and visiting construction sites inspired her to pursue the idea, and with guidance from her supervisor, Patrick Sayer, she refined the concept. She and her team pitched NoiseGuard Pro to the judges and were selected as one of 10 teams to advance to phase two.

NoiseGuard Pro is designed to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss in the construction industry, which is often accepted as part of the job. NoiseGuard Pro is a wearable noise dosimeter, a device that monitors workplace sound exposure and alerts construction workers when levels become dangerous. When Song first shared the idea at work, a senior colleague told her he had lost hearing in one ear after years of working on construction sites.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is totally preventable. It doesn't have to happen if we do the right thing from the beginning,” said Song. “It's closer to all of us than people think, and that's why I care so much about it.”

Making new technology accessible

Song's design is intentionally non-obtrusive and easy to use. Simply clip it onto your vest and off you go. This intentional direction was inspired by conversations with her assigned mentor, Julie Zabizewski, VP of Strategy at Vestacon Limited, an industry partner of GLIP. Their discussions explored the importance of designing technology that not only addresses industry challenges but also overcomes barriers to adoption.

“It's hard for people to get used to new technology. How do you make technology accessible for those who are reluctant to change, instead of adding a burden to learn? What's the easiest way?” she recalled about her brainstorming process.

“It feels like a dream. It's not just about winning first place at the final showcase. The whole process is the real win. Not many people have the chance to talk about something they are truly passionate about and receive a lot of support along the way,” she said.

Sharpening the winning pitch

To complete phase two of the showcase, learners from Ontario colleges presented their pitches in Toronto against the qualifying teams from other universities and colleges. Algonquin College was well represented; four of the top 10 teams were AC learners.

Song focused on crafting her storytelling, rather than only speaking to the technology of the pitched concept. “These are things I didn't learn in my program, but I developed throughout this competition, like pitching and story design,” Song explained.

A few mock pitch sessions with Stephen Gagné, Entrepreneurship Officer at Algonquin College, helped Song sharpen her pitch. “Stephen knows business development well, and his feedback and critiques helped me fine-tune my presentation,” said Song.

“Coaching aspiring entrepreneurs includes throwing challenges at learners, and through every challenge, Hailun was never shaken. It's something unique for students to pursue something they care a lot about, without academic marks attached to it. It feels like the freedom to do what you want,” Gagné explained.

Support beyond the showcase

As winners, the team receives three months of venture-building mentorship and advisory support from Highline Beta, a GLIP partner venture studio.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College brings together people, programs and resources to create connections for learners, faculty, staff and partners through experiential learning, including supporting Song throughout this competition.