Listening to Music
Music is something which is going to sound different with a cochlear implantĀ compared withĀ hearing aids.Ā For some patients, musicĀ becomes accessible and enjoyable over time.Ā For others, they can recognise and join in with familiar songs like Happy Birthday or Christmas carols, but they donāt really enjoy the way music sounds through a processor.Ā Itās impossible to tell who is likely to enjoy music with their cochlear implant and who isnāt, but we try and support and encourage everyone to explore music over time.
We are lucky enough to have world-class researchers into music and cochlear implants here at the University of Southampton, and among the resources which they have created is the Interactive Music Appreciation Programme, which you can access on the web here:
In addition, the manufacturers have some solutions to help with listening to music:
| Cochlear | MED-EL | ||
| Nucleus 8 CP1100
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Kanso 2
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SONNET 3
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RONDO 3
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| Listening to music with a Cochlear processor | Listening to music with SONNET 3 or RONDO 3 | ||
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The Nucleus 8 can stream music directly from a compatible Apple iPhone or Android phone.
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The Kanso 2 Sound Processor features direct streaming and control with compatible AppleĀ® and Android™ devices** without the need for any attachments to the sound processor. |
SONNET 3 can stream music directly from a compatible Apple iPhone or Android phone. Or stream from other devices via theĀ AudioLink XT.
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The MED-EL RONDO 3 can be connected to Bluetooth devices using an Audiostream Adapter.
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| Other resources
‘Bring back the Beat’ music rehabilitation App |
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Or stream from other devices via the 
Audio Leads
All of the processors have the ability to link to music players via an audio cable or wireless accessory. To see what is provided with the processor, go to What’s in the Kit.