Ever wonder how people with hearing differences experience sound? There are so many tools available for people with hearing differences to experience their world. Some tools make sounds louder, some tools make sounds seem closer, some tools use blinking lights to call attention, some tools are worn, some tools require surgery, some tools are used at home, some tools are used at school or work. The very best tool is our very own brain! Working with children with hearing differences, I am always amazed at how quickly our brains adapt to using tools to experience all that life has to offer.
Today I want to call attention to one tool that some adults and children with hearing differences use to hear sounds and speech. A cochlear implant (CI) is a tool that has been around since the 1970’s. The technology for this tool has come a long way over the last 40 years and advancements are being made every day.
When I do trainings about cochlear implants, the most frequently asked question I get from parents, teachers, and professionals is “What does it really sound like?”
Check out what this group of researchers at Arizona State University did to help us understand more about what cochlear implants sound like:
Hearing Cochlear Implants
Do you have an experience with a cochlear implant that you would like to share? We would love to hear from you!
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