| The purpose of this document was to provide a basic guide for applied teachers and performers about the hearing process, causes, types and treatments of hearing loss and conservation of hearing. The study surveyed instrumentalists, vocalists, and music teachers with significant hearing loss about the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants and assistive listening devices; coping skills and strategies utilized during educational and performing experiences and teaching music; and problems with speech, communicating, and listening to recorded music. The study also included eight (8) personal narratives chronicling the individual experiences of select musicians with hearing loss.;The population for the study consisted of sixty-two (62) adult amateur and professional musicians in the United States, Australia, and The Netherlands from the membership of the Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss. The Internet-based survey, developed by the researcher, produced a 48.4% response rate. The research instrument revealed that the majority of musicians with hearing loss can achieve success in the classroom, private lesson, and in performing solo or ensembles with hearing musicians, through use of technology (hearing aids, cochlear and assistive listening devices). The majority of musicians with hearing loss will continue to develop various coping skills and strategies involving speech-reading and visual cues, while also trying to develop open relationships and gaining support of teachers, peers and other performing musicians in adapting to the hearing world. |
