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.

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

Cochlear		Advanced Bionics	MED-EL
Nucleus 8 CP1100	Kanso 2	Sky M/Naida M	SONNET 3	RONDO 3
Listening to music with a Cochlear processor			Listening to music with SONNET 3 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 Sky M/Naida M can stream music directly from a compatible Apple iPhone or Android phone.	SONNET 3 can stream music directly from a compatible Apple iPhone or Android phone. Or stream from other devices via the AudioLink XT.	The MED-EL RONDO 3 can be connected to Bluetooth devices using an Audiostream Adapter.
Other resources Smart Sound IQ ‘Bring back the Beat’ music rehabilitation App

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.