Music Perception Studies: Participants, Hearing Loss, and Hearing Devices
This article delves into the intricate relationship between hearing loss, the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants, and how these factors influence late-deafened adults' perception, appreciation, and participation in music.
Methodology of Music Perception Studies
To comprehensively explore this topic, a systematic literature review was conducted. Four prominent databases were searched:
- MEDLINE
- Scopus
- Embase
- American Psychological Association (APA) PsycINFO
The search employed terms associated with hearing loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and various aspects of music perception, appreciation, and participation.
Study Inclusion Criteria
The review focused on studies that met specific criteria:
- Empirical research
- Written in English
- Peer-reviewed
- Utilized any research method
- No date restrictions
- Involved late-deafened adults
A formal risk of bias evaluation was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools.
Review Process and Results
A double-blind review of 2595 articles was completed in June 2023, resulting in 131 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Typically, the reviewed articles focused on music perception testing. The studies included more than 6900 adult participants with hearing loss.
Data relating to the review question were extracted and thematically coded. Only 18 studies reported on music experiences for adults who had hearing loss with or without hearing aids. The remaining 113 articles related to cochlear implant users, and 91 of these focused primarily on identification of musical structural components.
The reviewed articles consistently established that hearing loss and hearing devices have a substantial, generally negative, impact on music perception.
Impact on Music Experience
The psychosocial and emotional need for music was mostly overlooked, with few studies focusing on music appreciation, enjoyment, social connectedness, or participation.
Several studies provide insight into the experiences of individuals with hearing loss and cochlear implants:
- Adams D., Ajimsha K. M., Barberá M. T., Gazibegovic D., Gisbert J., Gómez J., Raveh E., Rocca C., Romanet P., Seebens Y., Zarowski A. (2014) conducted a multicenter evaluation of music perception in adult users of advanced bionics cochlear implants.
- Alexander A. J., Bartel L., Friesen L., Shipp D., Chen J. (2011) compared cochlear implant users and normal-hearing listeners in music perception and enjoyment.
- Ambert-Dahan E., Giraud A.-L., Sterkers O., Samson S. (2015) investigated the judgment of musical emotions after cochlear implantation in adults with progressive deafness.
- Au A., Marozeau J., Innes-Brown H., Schubert E., Stevens C. (2012) explored audience response to six commissioned compositions for cochlear implant users.
- Bartel L. R., Greenberg S., Friesen L. M., Ostroff J., Bodmer D., Shipp D., Chen J. M. (2011) presented qualitative case studies of five cochlear implant recipients’ experience with music.
Summary of Findings
Below is a summary table of the main findings:
| Aspect | Finding |
|---|---|
| Impact of Hearing Loss | Substantial, generally negative, impact on music perception. |
| Focus of Studies | Primarily on music perception testing and identification of musical components. |
| Psychosocial Factors | Mostly overlooked, with limited research on music appreciation and enjoyment. |
| Cochlear Implant Studies | A significant portion focused on cochlear implant users, especially regarding musical structure. |