See also: Articles on Music, Hearing Loss, and Hearing Devices

As you read this website, keep in mind the following:

• People with hearing loss can differ in many ways.  

• ​Some information may be more similar to your situation. 

• Pick and choose the information most useful for you.

Different Musical Sounds Affect Listening Enjoyment of Cochlear Implant (CI) Users

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Research studies and cochlear implant (CI) users report that some musical sounds are easier to understand:  

• Strong and clear beat or rhythm 

• Lyrics with quiet accompaniment 

• Music played or sung by fewer musicians 

• Simpler melodies, harmonies, and rhythms 

• Music that has lots of repetition 

• Music that isn't too loud 

• Music with a slow or moderate tempo 

• Music that you remember from prior to hearing loss 

• Keep in mind that music changes over time. Some parts of one song may be easier to enjoy and understand than other parts.

​

Vocal music and instrumental music.

• Some implant users enjoy vocal music because they can follow the words. Others prefer instrumental sounds. 

• Some singers are easier to understand than others. 

• Some instruments sound better than others. CI users differ in which musical instruments they prefer. 

• Music performed by fewer musicians may be easier to perceive. 

• ​​Some musicians play with more skill and better balance than others. 

• Some trial and error are likely needed to figure out what music sounds best to you at this point in your implant use. 

Setting realistic expectations is important. 

• Your musical preferences may change after your CI. [Click here to view cochlear implant technology page]

• Some music sounds better than other music. Remember, people with natural hearing don't like all music, either. 

• Trial and error may be needed to find the music most enjoyable to YOU! 

• Not all cochlear implant users like the same music. 

For me, music is pleasant when I know the song and lyrics and only when one or two instruments are playing.

I love simple harmonic progressions. It adds such flavor and color to the song, even if I never fully identify all of the harmonies at play.

Music listening may improve with special approaches and practice. [Click here to view music training and listening practice page]

• Listen with your eyes as well as your ears.

  •  Try watching the musicians or reading the music as you listen. 

• Practice listening to the same song many times.

• Start listening to simple music with a clear beat.

• Try familiar music that is also simple. 

• Practice listening when your mind is fresh---not when you are exhausted and feeling overwhelmed. 

• Experiment with different assistive technologies.

  • Examples include Compilot, mini mics, roger pens, and phone clips.

• Adjust CI settings as the music changes.

  • Learn how to adjust device volume and sensitivity.

• Strategically choose where you listen to music.

  • Choose a quiet room with good acoustics.

  • Close proximity to the musician(s) can help with visual cues.

• Use high-quality sound equipment and speakers.

• Be patient with yourself through the process.

  • Progress takes time and requires ongoing persistence.

With the instruments, I enjoy listening several times and discovering new aspects in a song that I didn't catch the first time.

I try to position myself where I can see the singers, even if there is captioning, so I can follow along. I tend to move up front and that seems to help.

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