A Qualitative Exploration of the Ways in Which the Hard of Hearing Experience Music

Rose F. RobinsonIntro to Sociology

Why this is important to me I have been a lover of all

kinds of music for as long as I can remember. Music is a very emotional thing for me. From the time I awake until the time I fall asleep, I am listening to music about 85% of the time.

At the age of 3 mos., my son had spiral meningitis and as a result, he lost hearing in both ears; 75% in the left and 30% in the right.

Despite the odds, he has gone on to be a lover of music as well; participating in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and is now a music major at Rutgers University.

The Power of MusicMusic is a universal language, however,

its most defining characteristic is its

unique ability to evoke a variety of different emotions in its listeners at any given time

Why is music significant?

It is important to note how profound of an impact music has on society as a whole since it is incorporated in almost every area of life.

“There is no culture known to man, no single civilization of the past, that does not have its own body of music” (Hamm, Nettl, Brynside)

The deaf culture may be the one exception

The Excluded Group?There is a significant portion of society

that is unable to experience the influences of music in everyday life.

Hearing loss is the number one disability in the world

Estimates from the Survey of Income and Program Participation indicate that nearly 10,000,000 persons are hard of hearing and close to 1,000,000 are functionally deaf (Mitchell, 2005)

This is a large part of society that is rarely mentioned in music literature; often times only being incorporated to show the damaging or resulting effects loud music can have on listeners

Existing Literature on Hearing Loss & Music

Scarcity of ResearchAlthough no research has been conducted

specific to the role of music in the deaf culture, descriptive literature does exist pertaining to the deaf community (Darrow 94)

Lack of Personal Identity with ResearchNumerous articles pertaining to music and the

deaf continue to be published; however, a review of this literature has revealed no entries written by hearing impaired authors. (Darrow 100)

Relevant StudiesAlice Ann Darrow

Leading expert in research regarding teaching music to special populations and the role of music in deaf culture.

Articles include: Music for the deaf. Music Educators JournalHearing impaired children, who are often excluded from their

peers because of their unique language, need not be excluded from the music classroom. Even hard of hearing children can receive sensory satisfaction and valuable auditory training from experiences with music.

The role of hearing in understanding music. Music Educators Journal

Understanding of how to develop listening skills also requires an understanding of the sense of hearing. Listening is a mental process; hearing is a physical process.

The role of music in deaf culture: Deaf students’ perception of emotion in music. Journal of Music Therapy

Based on questions from a survey observing use of music for emotional expression, aesthetic enjoyment, ritual purposes, and prompt physical activity, the results of this study indicated that music has a role in deaf culture, though it is considerably more limited that in the hearing culture.

Sounds in the silence: Research on music and deafness. Update: Applications of Research in Music Education

Primary purpose is to research the effect of hearing loss on children’s ability to perceive emotion and imagery in music through their sense

Purpose of Study• To reveal ways in which hard of hearing

individuals can experience music• To educate those who have influence on

individuals who are hard of hearing (teachers, family, etc) so that they can be sources of encouragement for musical engagement

• To provide a source of hope for those who are hard of hearing but yearn for the experiences that can only come from the power of music

ParticipantsRequirements:18 year of age or olderMust have a genuine interest in music and

knowledge of music, particularly active musiciansMust have a hearing loss greater than 15 dBMust have been either born or lived the majority

of their lives being hard of hearing

DemographicsThere were two participants that were

interview for the this study:The first being a partially deaf hearing

individual who uses a hearing aid for general communication

The second being a college student who is deaf in one and has mild hearing loss in the second

In addition, there were 3 questionnaires that were received via e-mail

Questions Asked

What are some of the thoughts and emotions that you experience when listening or participating in music?

Do you visualize the music rather than listen for it?

How do you take in or experience music despite your hearing loss?

What are some of the thoughts you have about your hearing loss?

How have you been discriminated against in the music community because of your hearing loss? How have you dealt with it?

The Experience of MusicDiscussion

After questioning the participants, it is revealed that although they have significant hearing loss music still can be experienced and have an emotional impact on them

Emotional“I think the main reason why music appeals to me so much is

because I get a different experience every time I listen to something new and different, and even when it’s the same, it is always a different experience.”

Cognitive“I associate colors with music, which makes my experience

listening to and performing music a lot more intense. When I listen to music that is incredible, deep, and passionate, the colors I see are a lot more vivid and brilliant. I wish everyone had this ability. It’s like tripping on acid minus the drugs.”

DiscussionCont’d

Many individuals who are hard of hearing have learned, overtime, to accept themselves for who they are and adapt to their social environments

“I cannot change the fact that I am hearing impaired, but that does not certainly define who I am.”

“I try not to let it affect my everyday life, but it is something I have to deal with. My outlet is music, and that is my identity-not my hearing disability.”

Discussion Familial and Educational Influence

It is evident that family and education does in fact have a heavy impact on individuals who are hard of hearing and their involvement in music

“Music has always appealed to me since I was born. I still remember what my mother sang to me before going to bed. I remember listening to my dad’s CD collection, listening to artists ranging from Aaron Copland to the Beatles and to the Righteous Brothers. I remember being inspired to play the piano after seeing my older cousin play Aladdin’s “A Whole New World” on the piano. My whole family has some type of musical talent, but I am the only and first to actually make a career out of it. My family’s influence is why I have an infinite passion for music.”

Encouragement and DiscouragementThe purpose of this domain is to reveal why

those who are hard of hearing want to either be a part of music or have music be a part of their lives and the impact music can have on them

Questions Asked:What is the most difficult aspect of being hard

of hearing and still have a love and passion for music?

DiscussionPersonal Encouragement

This individual has expressed a deep connection with music and has revealed that those who use their disability as a hindrance is what ultimately stops their experience with music

“My hearing disability does not by any means hinder my love or passion for music. I won’t let it, and I cannot imagine anyone who has the same disability will allow it to hinder his/her appreciation for music. If there is anyone like that, then he/she is completely missing out on mind-blowing experiences.”

LimitationsLack of Research on topicLimited Amount of ParticipantsMethod of Collecting DataCommunication – Sign LanguageMisunderstanding of research questionsInterview questions not providing enough

significant information for studyTranscription of data

ConclusionThe result of this study has shown that although experienced differently, music has a profound impact even on the hard of hearing. However, the level of importance music plays in the lives of the hard of hearing is highly influenced by familial and educational support.

Reflection“We are in no position

to say that those born partially deaf with loudness recruitment derive any less enjoyment from music since the tonal attributes imparted by their deranged hearing mechanism could well take on a quality found to be aesthetically pleasing even though unique to themselves”

Resources Darrow, A. A. (1985). Music for the Deaf. Music Educators Journal,

71.6, 33-35. (2001, Apr. 1). In What is a decibel, and how is it measured?.

Retrieved July 23, 2010, from http://www.howstuffworks.com/question124.htm

Darrow, A. A. (1990). The Role of Hearing in Understanding Music. Music Educators Journal, 77.4, 24-27.

Darrow, A. A. (2007). Teaching Students with Hearing Losses. Journal Music Today, 20, 27-30.

Lucas, B. J. (2010). Perception of Emotion in Sounded and Imagined Music. Music Perception, 27(5), 399-412.

(2010, June 9). In Hearing Loss is the Number One Disability in the World. Retrieved July 23, 2010, from http://info.workplaceintegra.com/blog/bid/42355/Hearing-Loss-is-the-Number-One-Disability-in-the-World