Music

Enjoying Music

Singing, dancing and banging out a noisy rhythm is part of the joy of childhood. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing can enjoy and benefit from music too!

Research at Macquarie University has found that music has therapeutic benefits for children with hearing loss. Music training can improve communication skills, regulate emotions and help peer relationships. Other research has shown that people who are deaf enjoy music through sound vibrations and experience similar emotions as people listening to music.

So hold your baby close and sing and dance to music that relaxes you or fills you with joy. Your baby will be comforted and feel the sounds, rhythm and vibrations. And as your baby grows, help them to explore the wonder of music through singing, dancing or playing an instrument.

Learning an Instrument

With the right support, kids with hearing loss are fully capable of learning and playing music. Here are some tips when selecting and learning a musical instrument:

• start with percussive instruments or instruments that present pitches in a logical manner – for example, on a piano, you can see how the pitch is presented
• establish whether your child would benefit more from a group or individual learning environment
• choirs and bands provide opportunities for developing good social skills
• present your child with various instruments and opportunities and see what they are drawn to
• group therapy can be a good introduction to music and different instruments
• singing is the most affordable instrument
• music teachers should only give verbal feedback once the students have stopped playing

Remember music should be FUN!

The dangers of loud music and noise

Loud music or noise can still cause injury to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Even though children who are deaf or hard of hearing need sound to be louder to hear it clearly, audiologists treat the risk of hearing damage from loud noise the same in children with or without hearing loss.

When listening to music using headphones, it is still essential to stay within safe levels. These levels can be monitored using various apps on a smartphone. Airpods can be checked using the health app on an iPhone. Volume limits can also be set on various devices. There are even some headphones that can be tailored to your child’s specific hearing capabilities. This is especially helpful for children who have asymmetrical hearing loss.

More information: 

• Tips for safe listening using headphones or earbuds | Hearing Australia
• Factsheet – Protect the sounds you love | Hearing Australia

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Related articles

• Experiencing and listening and music | Baby Hearing
• Encourage musical journeys | AG Bell
• Can Music Training Improve Listening Skills For Children With Hearing Loss? | Frontiers for Young Minds