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:
In addition, the manufacturers have some solutions to help with listening to music:
| Cochlear | MED-EL | ||
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Nucleus 7 CP1000
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Kanso
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SONNET 2
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RONDO 2
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| Listening to music with a Cochlear processor | Listening to music with SONNET or RONDO 2. | ||
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The Nucleus 7 can stream music directly from a compatible Apple iPhone or Android phone.
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The Kanso can be connected to audio and Bluetooth devices via the Cochlear wireless MiniMic or Phone Clip. | The AudioLink can be used to stream music to the Sonnet 2.  |
The MED-EL RONDO 2 can be connected to Bluetooth devices using a Bluetooth neckloop |
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Other resources ‘Bring back the Beat’ music rehabilitation App |
Other resources MED-EL cochlear implant users can apply for a music grant. |
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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.