Hearing and Music Appreciation

After reading an article an article in The Hearing Journal titled: The Importance of Music Appreciation for CI users, I recognized the need to spend more time with my playlists. The article so truly points out that enjoying music is necessary and even vital to some of us, and perhaps, a quality of life issue. Apparently, forty-two percent of newly-implanted C.I. users cannot discern pitch and timbre and thus lose their ability to clearly hear music, particularly the subtle tones of musical instruments. This has to do with the microelectrodes on the wire inserted into the cochlea during implantation. There are anywhere from 8 to 24 microelectrodes, depending on the C.I.’s manufacturer. Microelectrodes transmit electrical impulses, which stimulate the auditory nerve, sending sound into the brain’s hearing center. The nuances of natural sounds cannot be replicated. Thus most C.I. users complain that environmental noises, human speech, and music sound robotic and mechanical. The author pointed out that more technological research and better rehab methods need to be established. However, it was noted that newly-implanted persons who listen to music during the months following implantation often regain the hearing of fine tones and pitches in musical pieces. It was further stated that as some C.I. patients reestablish musical hearing skills, they also experience better speech recognition. As a hearing aid user, I took note. My husband and I enjoy music of all sorts; classical pieces, particularly Bach and Beethoven, operas, and songs from the fifties, sixties, and seventies. Before coronavirus hit our town, we often went to concerts and out dancing. Several years ago, I noticed that I could no longer name that tune while kicking back with the Beatles or the Beach Boys. To my ear, there was no difference between a French horn, a clarinet, or a violin. In fact, all music sounded like annoying noise, the kind you’d rather tune out. It saddened me to think I could no longer enjoy golden oldies or a symphony orchestra. It not only left a void in my life, I knew that my husband was giving up something he relished immensely. During a conversation with a C.I. user, I discovered that it took him over six months of daily listening before his appreciation of music returned. After two months of dedicated listening, he could identify a song but wasn’t sure if his recognition of the melody was from memory. Pressing on, he started noting tonal differences when someone was singing. Eventually, he could make out the various instruments in orchestration, leading him to believe he was actually hearing music. It took a great deal of time and patience, he stated, and a huge leap of faith that I would enjoy music again. I was inspired. After purchasing a new pair of hearing aids with artificial intelligence, I started hearing environmental sounds like the whoosh of a ceiling fan and the whir of my washing machine. Seeing an opportunity, I began listening to music again. I’m rediscovering musical nuances. I, too, believe I’m that actually hearing rhythms and lyrics and not just remembering them. As we meander through the hearing world, we should consider how important music is in our lives. What do we miss by not hearing music? Going to concerts? Listening to favorite tunes? Spending an evening dancing? Technology and listening sessions may help you restore your ability the hear music. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids and cochlear implants can pair to computers, televisions, and smartphones. Home installed hearing loops eliminate background noise while bringing sound directly to you. Once you have the technology you need, let music surround you and flow into your ears and brain. In the end, your listening efforts will pay off. It did for me. I can’t wait for coronavirus restrictions to be lifted so my husband and I can once again, spend an evening out dancing.