TED Radio Hour Listen Again: Sound And Silence
Mar 12, 2021
Join NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, who opens up about her hearing loss, and neuroscientist Jim Hudspeth as they dive into the intricate mechanics of sound. Cyborg Rebecca Knill shares her empowering experience with deafness and cochlear implants. Sound designer Dallas Taylor explores the emotional resonance of sound in our lives. Together, they discuss how sound and silence shape reality, the importance of accessibility in media, and the unique relationship between hearing and personal identity.
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Hearing Loss Realization
- Mary Louise Kelly, an NPR host, experienced difficulty hearing questions during a book tour, highlighting the gradual nature of hearing loss.
- Initially relying on lip-reading, she eventually sought professional help, revealing severe hearing loss at higher frequencies.
Subtlety of Hearing Loss
- Hearing loss can be subtle, often going unnoticed until a significant event reveals its impact.
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants, especially at higher frequencies, can significantly impair speech comprehension.
Masks and Hearing Loss
- Social distancing and masks present significant challenges for those with hearing loss, hindering lip-reading and muffling voices.
- Mary Louise Kelly recounts struggling to understand a pharmacist due to these barriers, causing her anxiety about her ability to work.