Intro
In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, host Mary Louise Kelly explores the world of sound and silence. From experiencing hearing loss to the science behind our ears, and the importance of sound design in media production, this episode delves into the fascinating and diverse aspects of our auditory experiences.
Main Takeaways
Hearing Loss and Communication Challenges
- Mary Louise Kelly, host of NPR’s All Things Considered, experiences hearing loss while working in a job that requires active listening
- Hearing loss can be nuanced and difficult to detect, but can become apparent in certain situations
- While Mary can hear sounds, she struggles to distinguish between consonants and make out words
- Hearing tests can detect this type of hearing loss, but it can be embarrassing and frustrating for those experiencing it
- Despite her hearing loss, Mary continues to work in her role and find solutions to help her actively listen and communicate effectively.
- Hearing loss can make it difficult to distinguish sounds without seeing someone’s lips move
- Hearing aids can be a revelation, making sounds louder and clearer
- Adjusting to hearing aids can take time as the brain relearns how to process sounds
- Social distancing and masks can make it even more difficult for those with hearing loss to communicate effectively
- The way we hear the world can be a unique and different auditory experience for each person
- Hearing loss is a common problem, with 10% of the population experiencing significant hearing problems
- Wearing masks and plexiglass barriers can make communication even more difficult for those with hearing loss
- Context is key for those with hearing loss, and knowing the topic of conversation can help fill in missed words
- Despite the challenges, finding ways to make communication work is possible, and hearing loss does not have to be a handicap
- By age 70, a quarter of us have significant hearing loss, and by 80, it’s more than half
The Science Behind Hearing
- To understand why hearing loss is so common, we need to understand how the ear works
- The cochlea, our organ of hearing, is about the size of a chickpea and contains 16,000 sensory receptors called hair cells
- These hair cells have a hair bundle, which is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical responses that the brain can interpret
- Over time, we lose these tiny hair cells in our ears, but chickens do not
- Hair cells in our ears send information about specific sounds to the brain
- Hair cells act as little amplifiers, enhancing signals going into the ear
- The active process of amplification is important for hearing faint sounds and distinguishing different frequencies
- Damage to hair cells from loud noise can lead to hearing loss, particularly in high frequencies
- Cochlear implants can replace damaged hair cells, but there is currently no natural regeneration for humans, unlike in birds and some other animals
- Mammals have lost the capacity for natural regeneration, unlike fish, amphibians, reptiles, and some other animals.
Deaf Culture and Identity
- Rebecca Nill describes how her cochlear implant rebuilt her sense of hearing after being born deaf due to her mother’s exposure to German measles during pregnancy.
- The cochlear implant uses 16 electrodes to send signals to the brain, and includes magnets inside the skull for transmitting sound.
- The oral method of lip reading and speaking was controversial as deaf children were forced to be raised orally.
- Total communication is now the perspective, allowing kids to sign as well as speak, or maybe not speak at all.
- Some deaf kids were raised in deaf families, where sign language was their primary language.
- Cochlear implants were controversial in the deaf culture and were considered equivalent to changing the color of your skin.
- Belonging to a community like me is what ultimately connects our stories and makes us feel complete.
- Some people with hearing loss may feel more authentic and comfortable in a deaf identity rather than trying to constantly adapt to the hearing world
- Outdated perceptions of deafness need to be updated to recognize the diversity of experiences and identities within the deaf community
- Assumptions about people based on ability can be harmful and betray a sense of entitlement
The Power of Sound Design and Silence
- Technology has come a long way in bridging gaps for those who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Visual options for audio, like transcripts and subtitles, are important for accessibility and can benefit everyone
- Sound design is a complex and important aspect of media production, often involving the reconstruction of non-dialogue sounds.
- Sound design involves building entire worlds through sound effects that can sway people emotionally
- The impact of sound is often overlooked in media production and storytelling
- Humans have 20 senses, but we tend to focus on sight, touch, taste, smell, and music instead of sound
- True silence is rare and can only be experienced in an anechoic chamber
- Paying attention to and curating the sounds around us can enhance our everyday experiences
- John Cage’s 4’33” is a piece of music where the performer plays nothing for four minutes and thirty-three seconds
- The piece forces the listener to pay attention to the sounds around them
- John Cage’s goal was to make people aware of the sounds that were already present, but often ignored
- Our ears are incredibly special because they are in tune with our atmosphere on Earth
- Everything can be music if you think about it that way
- Curating our world can make so many things sound better
- Dallas Taylor, sound designer and host of the podcast 20,000 Hertz, explores fascinating stories about sound
Summary
Hearing Loss and Communication Challenges
Host Mary Louise Kelly shares her personal experience with hearing loss and the challenges it presents in her role as a journalist. Hearing loss can be nuanced and difficult to detect, leading to struggles in distinguishing consonants and making out words. Despite these challenges, hearing aids can provide significant improvement, although adjusting to them may take time. Social distancing and masks further complicate communication for those with hearing loss. However, finding ways to make communication work is possible, and hearing loss does not have to be a handicap.
The Science Behind Hearing
The cochlea, our organ of hearing, contains hair cells responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical responses. Over time, we lose these hair cells, leading to hearing loss. Damage from loud noise can accelerate this process, particularly in high frequencies. Unlike birds and some other animals, humans do not have the natural ability to regenerate these hair cells. Cochlear implants offer a solution by replacing damaged hair cells, but there is still much to learn about the complexities of hearing.
Deaf Culture and Identity
Rebecca Nill shares her experience with a cochlear implant and the controversy surrounding it within the deaf community. The oral method of lip reading and speaking was once dominant, but now total communication, including sign language, is embraced. Deaf individuals may feel more authentic and comfortable in their deaf identity rather than constantly adapting to the hearing world. Outdated perceptions of deafness need to be updated to recognize the diversity of experiences and identities within the deaf community.
The Power of Sound Design and Silence
Technology has made significant advancements in bridging gaps for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, with visual options for audio providing accessibility for all. Sound design plays a crucial role in media production, as it can evoke emotions and create immersive experiences. True silence is rare, but paying attention to and curating the sounds around us can enhance our everyday experiences. John Cage’s 4’33” challenges listeners to appreciate the sounds already present in the environment. Our ears are uniquely attuned to the atmosphere on Earth, and curating our world can make everything sound better.
Conclusion
The “Sound And Silence” episode of the TED Radio Hour explores the complexities of hearing, the challenges of hearing loss, the diversity of experiences within the deaf community, and the power of sound design. It reminds us to be mindful of the sounds around us and the importance of inclusive communication. Whether it’s finding solutions for hearing loss or appreciating the beauty of silence, our auditory experiences shape our understanding of the world.
