A cochlear
implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that grants a person who is
profoundly deaf, or severely hard of hearing, with a sense of sound. Although the quality of sound may be different
from natural hearing, patients are able to hear and understand speech,
environmental sounds and even enjoy music!
The effects of this technology can be life-changing. I cannot imagine what it must be like to sense
sound for the first time, let alone hear music.
Below is a video of such an experience as a two-year-old hears his
mother’s voice for the first time thanks to a cochlear implant.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Cochlear Implants
As a
musician, the ability to hear is… crucial.
If pressed to name a deaf musician, most people would say Ludwig van
Beethoven or another noteworthy composer or performer much later in their
respective careers. Very few could name
someone who lost their hearing at a very young age. This is because listening to and especially making
music rely incredibly on hearing. This
is not to say that deaf people do not listen to or appreciate music. In fact, the opposite is quite true; most
people who are profoundly deaf can still enjoy music and dance because they can
feel the music vibrations. People who
are deaf can also enjoy music through signed song. For some, deafness is not a permanent
condition.
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I love how you see cochlear implants as a type of technology that can enhance a musical experience. I know for some Deaf people they like the implant because they are comfortable without it because being Deaf is part of who they are. I am glad we have this kind of technology though so that Deaf people can have the opportunity to know what it's like to hear.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have not really thought about cochlear implants as being part of technology, but it definitely is. I am currently taking sign language and the debate on these implants is ongoing. However, in the class we watched a video of a Deaf band that played for hearing audiences just by feeling the vibrations of the instruments.
ReplyDeleteEven though we appreciate the sound of music and sometimes find it hard to think what it would be like if we could not hear, maybe for some type of music you could find a popular piece that the students have heard before, but just play it through its vibrations. I believe not only will this give them a greater appreciation of music in all its aspects, but also teach them about Deaf culture at the same time.
It's great that you put the prospect of having cochlear implants as technology. I too finished my courses in sign language and its a wonderful experience to see or read about someone being able to hear the sound of life around them for the first time. Having the baby hear his moms voice for the first time is a true awe inspiring thing. Although unfortunately cochlear implants does not work or are recommended for most children, the success rate is something that can dramatically change the outcome of their lives. I highly recommend you watch a documentary entitled "Sounds of Fury", that documentary details the pros and cons of deaf children wanting to hear and the rebellious point of views that prohibit their children from that aspect all in the name of losing their culture, family and much more. Again, I recommend anyone to look into that because it's truly something !
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