Working in Harmony

“Will I be able to enjoy music?”  This is one of the most common questions asked by those who are considering a cochlear implant.  We know that music is an important part of life, so here at Cochlear we have been spending a lot of time exploring this topic.

Music helps add dimension to our lives. It represents snapshots in time filled with friends and family; laughter and tears; discoveries and memories.  The most important events in life are often packaged with music – and eventually become the soundtrack to your life.

No two people have the same experiences, and listening to music with a cochlear implant is no different.  While some CI recipients report they get little enjoyment from music, many CI recipients have a positive experience when listening to music.  Sometimes it takes a little dedication and practice to get there.

Why is music so challenging?

One Nucleus user wrote with the following comment:  “I can understand speech with my cochlear implant so why doesn’t music sound as good?”   Music is made up of several different elements including: rhythm, tone and pitch.  Music is a complicated mixture of sounds so, in the beginning, it can be difficult for the brain to organize the sounds in a meaningful way.   Read this issue of Ask Linn for more information about practicing your listening skills for music appreciation.

There’s Good News! 
Technological advancements in Nucleus cochlear implants are providing more features and options for programming. These advancements may allow a more complete music experience. This is good news for our current Nucleus cochlear implant users, as well as our future recipients.

Will these advancements work for everyone?

Because of the differences in our hearing histories, auditory memories, previous experience with music and other variables, music enjoyment will vary from one cochlear implant recipient to the next.   The key to music enjoyment is finding what works best for you and practicing.  For parents, you may wonder if your child will be able to appreciate music.  Many professionals recommend that you introduce a variety of musical instruments and music styles and see if they have a preference.  If they respond positively to a particular instrument or type of music, use that information as a starting point and build on from there.