Listening to Music

Music is something which is going to sound different with a cochlear implant compared with hearing aids.  For some patients, music becomes accessible and enjoyable over time.  For others, they can recognise and join in with familiar songs like Happy Birthday or Christmas carols, but they don’t really enjoy the way music sounds through a processor.  It’s impossible to tell who is likely to enjoy music with their cochlear implant and who isn’t, 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:

More from music: IMAP

In addition, the manufacturers have some solutions to help with listening to music:

Cochlear		MED-EL
Nucleus 8 CP1100	Kanso 2	SONNET 2	RONDO 3
Listening to music with a Cochlear processor		Listening to music with SONNET or RONDO 3
The Nucleus 8 can stream music directly from a compatible Apple iPhone or Android phone. Or stream from other devices via the MiniMic or Phone Clip	The Kanso 2 Sound Processor features direct streaming and control with compatible Apple® and Android™ devices** without the need for any attachments to the sound processor.	The AudioLink can be used to stream music to the Sonnet 2.	The MED-EL RONDO 3 can be connected to Bluetooth devices using a Bluetooth neckloop
Other resources Smart Sound IQ ‘Bring back the Beat’ music rehabilitation App		Other resources MED-EL cochlear implant users can apply for a music grant.

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.