Can People Who Were Born Deaf Appreciate Music?

howag · 12-10-2011, 12:58 PM

I'm genuinely curious and I've been doing some searching online and a pretty common answer is "they can feel the vibrations" but is that all? Can deaf people determine changes in pitch or tone and appreciate the music in a completely different sense? I know some people might point out Beethoven as an example but I'm mainly referring to people who were born deaf and without the use of a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Much appreciated!

Sunshine · 12-10-2011, 01:01 PM

I really enjoy hip hop. Good beat. Really any music with much bass, beat very upbeat tempo I like. In car in particular, I always have music play. Anybody hearing get in they always turn down so much, lol. This best thing about go bar - usually upbeat music much beat! Love dancing!

jillio · 12-10-2011, 01:01 PM

There have been several threads about this in the past.

DeafCaroline · 12-10-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howag

I'm genuinely curious and I've been doing some searching online and a pretty common answer is "they can feel the vibrations" but is that all? Can deaf people determine changes in pitch or tone and appreciate the music in a completely different sense? I know some people might point out Beethoven as an example but I'm mainly referring to people who were born deaf and without the use of a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Much appreciated!

Are you deaf? If so, you would know the answer to this question already.

**mbrek** · 12-10-2011, 01:29 PM

^^^howag is hearing.

Latascha · 12-10-2011, 01:58 PM

Have you ever tried to feel the musíc instead of listening. Try it and concentrate on what you are able to feel.
So the answer to your question is obviously yes, but you knew that before already.

Beethoven is a pretty bad example. I think he was able to remember the sound and therefore played it all in his head. But that really had nothing to do with feeling vibrations.

Oh, ever put your hand on your throat while speaking? Try it for some time, you will be able to notice there a many different vibrations. If you get to know those differences you will be able to connect each different feeling to a different sound. Same with music.

howag · 12-10-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Latascha

Have you ever tried to feel the musíc instead of listening. Try it and concentrate on what you are able to feel.
So the answer to your question is obviously yes, but you knew that before already.

Beethoven is a pretty bad example. I think he was able to remember the sound and therefore played it all in his head. But that really had nothing to do with feeling vibrations.

Oh, ever put your hand on your throat while speaking? Try it for some time, you will be able to notice there a many different vibrations. If you get to know those differences you will be able to connect each different feeling to a different sound. Same with music.

I think I'll have a hard time doing that simply because I can hear, I'll be distracted by the sound unlike deaf people who only have the vibration to go on if that makes sense?

Frisky Feline · 12-10-2011, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

There have been several threads about this in the past.

yes. however, how about the fresh thread.

**sallylou** · 12-10-2011, 03:08 PM

Nope. All talked out about this subject. lol

Latascha · 12-10-2011, 03:09 PM

I had that in mind, too. Music is way too complex I think. But try it with your voice. You could put headphones on and listen to music during that time. Maybe that would be a good distraction and probably you won't hear that much of your voice anymore?
This is just for you to get an idea. You'll never be able to pay that much attention to the vibrations, but then you don't have to.

But what do you really want to know? You read already that we can feel the vibrations and therefore appreciate music.

**Bottesini** · 12-10-2011, 03:16 PM

Quote:

At Christmas, we break out the tympani and take turns drumming carols, while standing barefoot on the wood floor to better feel the vibrations. After, we all throw our hearing aids into the Christmas tree branches.

And then drink a toast to our specialness.

Deaf Holidays

An old thread on Deaf holidays.

DeafCaroline · 12-10-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howag

I'm genuinely curious and I've been doing some searching online and a pretty common answer is "they can feel the vibrations" but is that all? Can deaf people determine changes in pitch or tone and appreciate the music in a completely different sense? I know some people might point out Beethoven as an example but I'm mainly referring to people who were born deaf and without the use of a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Much appreciated!

Let's use some common sense here...if you are deaf, you can't hear.

**sallylou** · 12-10-2011, 03:26 PM

Bott, was there special significance to throwing HAs in the tree? Do you still do it?

howag · 12-10-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Latascha

I had that in mind, too. Music is way too complex I think. But try it with your voice. You could put headphones on and listen to music during that time. Maybe that would be a good distraction and probably you won't hear that much of your voice anymore?
This is just for you to get an idea. You'll never be able to pay that much attention to the vibrations, but then you don't have to.

But what do you really want to know? You read already that we can feel the vibrations and therefore appreciate music.

Lol I tried humming at different pitches and tones to see what it felt like with my hand on my throat.My earphones were in and my Dad walked in and asked what the hell I was listening to.

I guess I just thought that if it was solely vibrations that they felt then would deaf people be pretty limited to bassy music?

**Bottesini** · 12-10-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sallylou

Bott, was there special significance to throwing HAs in the tree? Do you still do it?

No. It was just a silly post. I don't think I have thrown a hearing aid since childhood.

I only put it here as it relates to deaf appreciation of music. And Alldeaf nostalgia and old times.

And since he isn't asking people who do use hearing aids, I can't give him an answer.

**Bottesini** · 12-10-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howag

Lol I tried humming at different pitches and tones to see what it felt like with my hand on my throat.My earphones were in and my Dad walked in and asked what the hell I was listening to.

I guess I just thought that if it was solely vibrations that they felt then would deaf people be pretty limited to bassy music?

It's true there is more interest in bass among many deaf people.

DeafCaroline · 12-10-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howag

Lol I tried humming at different pitches and tones to see what it felt like with my hand on my throat.My earphones were in and my Dad walked in and asked what the hell I was listening to.

I guess I just thought that if it was solely vibrations that they felt then would deaf people be pretty limited to bassy music?

not really. wood is a very good conductor of sound - you can pick up more vibrations than just the bass. Beethoven held a piece of wood between his teeth and would touch the piano with it to pick up the vibrations of the keys as he composed.

One musician I know said that because of a discussion he had with me about vibrations and wood, he invited a group of deaf children to sit on the wooden stage as his band played. They loved it.

AlleyCat · 12-10-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

It's true there is more interest in bass among many deaf people.

That's for sure.

Back when I was in college, an interpreter student was sitting on top of one of those large, 80's-style speakers. The music was blasting so loud and the speakers just jumping. She said she could not feel the bass even sitting right on the speaker as the volume was so loud it dominated feel. I was still surprised though that she could not even feel it. For me, it's the other way around!

**DeafBadger** · 12-10-2011, 03:54 PM

Many deaf people can appreciate more than vibrations. Some have some hearing so they can hear changes in tone and pitch.

I listen to a lot of music. I really enjoy it. I don't distinctively hear the lyrics or singing, so I don't know what is being sung, unless I read the lyrics somewhere and match them up to the song somehow.

Sometimes I put my hands on the speakers to try to get more from the music.

I've played an electric guitar, but I need an electronic tuner to know if the guitar is in tune. Sometimes, i can tell that the guitar doesn't sound "right" if it isn't in tune, but I can't put it into tune by ear.

When I was growing up, I played my dad's acoustic guitar. I'd strum it while putting my chin on the hollow body. I'd feel the vibrations going thru my chin to the rest of my head. Got a headache after a while. lol

I've thought about playing drums or bass guitar. I'd like to play in a band, but realistically, I don't think I'd hear well enough. Maybe I should try for membership in a deaf band, like Beethoven's Nightmare.

A lot of us listen to music. Check out this thread. What song are you listening to?

howag · 12-10-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

No. It was just a silly post. I don't think I have thrown a hearing aid since childhood.

I only put it here as it relates to deaf appreciation of music. And Alldeaf nostalgia and old times.

And since he isn't asking people who do use hearing aids, I can't give him an answer.

May I ask how you appreciate music? With or without the use of your hearing aids.

**Bottesini** · 12-10-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howag

May I ask how you appreciate music? With or without the use of your hearing aids.

Sure. I am not really a big music lover. I did learn to play the bass in childhood.

And I actually do enjoy the vibrations of tympani. Live. The vibrations are very powerful, and even if I didn't have my feet on the floor, I can feel them on my skin.

I can also feel vibration of my dog barking as it bounces off a glass window.

Plus my daughter is a musician in the symphony. If a concert is bass related, she will get me in and seated in the front row. The big wave of sound is quite fun.

howag · 12-10-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeafBadger

Many deaf people can appreciate more than vibrations. Some have some hearing so they can hear changes in tone and pitch.

I listen to a lot of music. I really enjoy it. I don't distinctively hear the lyrics or singing, so I don't know what is being sung, unless I read the lyrics somewhere and match them up to the song somehow.

Sometimes I put my hands on the speakers to try to get more from the music.

I've played an electric guitar, but I need an electronic tuner to know if the guitar is in tune. Sometimes, i can tell that the guitar doesn't sound "right" if it isn't in tune, but I can't put it into tune by ear.

When I was growing up, I played my dad's acoustic guitar. I'd strum it while putting my chin on the hollow body. I'd feel the vibrations going thru my chin to the rest of my head. Got a headache after a while. lol

I've thought about playing drums or bass guitar. I'd like to play in a band, but realistically, I don't think I'd hear well enough. Maybe I should try for membership in a deaf band, like Beethoven's Nightmare.

A lot of us listen to music. Check out this thread. What song are you listening to?

Oh I see but you are able to enjoy the tune or melody of a song? I hope you do man, post a video if you ever record yourself playing in a band

and thanks for the thread link!

**sequoias** · 12-10-2011, 04:07 PM

Yes they can. I was born deaf and I do appreciate music with lots of good beats.

howag · 12-10-2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

Sure. I am not really a big music lover. I did learn to play the bass in childhood.

And I actually do enjoy the vibrations of tympani. Live. The vibrations are very powerful, and even if I didn't have my feet on the floor, I can feel them on my skin.

I can also feel vibration of my dog barking as it bounces off a glass window.

Plus my daughter is a musician in the symphony. If a concert is bass related, she will get me in and seated in the front row. The big wave of sound is quite fun.

Woah, you sound like you have very heightened senses

I have to say that does sound fun, front row during a bass related concert? Get ready to feel something!

rockin'robin · 12-10-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeafCaroline

not really. wood is a very good conductor of sound - you can pick up more vibrations than just the bass. Beethoven held a piece of wood between his teeth and would touch the piano with it to pick up the vibrations of the keys as he composed.

One musician I know said that because of a discussion he had with me about vibrations and wood, he invited a group of deaf children to sit on the wooden stage as his band played. They loved it.

Wow!...

kokonut · 12-10-2011, 04:22 PM

Speaking of good vibrations....

Wearable Speaker Vest/jacket

rockin'robin · 12-10-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kokonut

Speaking of good vibrations....

Wearable Speaker Vest/jacket

That's another WOW from me....wondering if any member here has one or tried one?

kokonut · 12-10-2011, 05:08 PM

I tried it once...but the boom box was a bit bulky at the time.

jillio · 12-10-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howag

I think I'll have a hard time doing that simply because I can hear, I'll be distracted by the sound unlike deaf people who only have the vibration to go on if that makes sense?

It might be hard, but it is possible to concentrate on how your body is perceiving the sound even with hearing. You just have to really focus on the kinesthetic response you feel in your body. For instance, certain instruments will create a reaction in different parts of the body. Strings (violins) for instance, will be felt as a higher vibration at about chest level. A bass will be felt as a vibration low in the stomach area. High pitches like a flute will be felt in the head.

Different rhythms affect different areas of the body, as well.

jillio · 12-10-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeafCaroline

not really. wood is a very good conductor of sound - you can pick up more vibrations than just the bass. Beethoven held a piece of wood between his teeth and would touch the piano with it to pick up the vibrations of the keys as he composed.

One musician I know said that because of a discussion he had with me about vibrations and wood, he invited a group of deaf children to sit on the wooden stage as his band played. They loved it.

An air filled balloon is a great conductor as well.

12-10-2011, 12:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
howag Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: London Posts: 334	Can People Who Were Born Deaf Appreciate Music? I'm genuinely curious and I've been doing some searching online and a pretty common answer is "they can feel the vibrations" but is that all? Can deaf people determine changes in pitch or tone and appreciate the music in a completely different sense? I know some people might point out Beethoven as an example but I'm mainly referring to people who were born deaf and without the use of a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Much appreciated!

12-10-2011, 01:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sunshine Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Home of Canucks! Posts: 3,269 Blog Entries: 2	I really enjoy hip hop. Good beat. Really any music with much bass, beat very upbeat tempo I like. In car in particular, I always have music play. Anybody hearing get in they always turn down so much, lol. This best thing about go bar - usually upbeat music much beat! Love dancing! ash345 likes this.

12-10-2011, 01:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
mbrek Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,512 Blog Entries: 1	^^^howag is hearing. __________________ Sarcasm - just another little service I offer.

12-10-2011, 01:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
Latascha Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Munich Posts: 133	Have you ever tried to feel the musíc instead of listening. Try it and concentrate on what you are able to feel. So the answer to your question is obviously yes, but you knew that before already. Beethoven is a pretty bad example. I think he was able to remember the sound and therefore played it all in his head. But that really had nothing to do with feeling vibrations. Oh, ever put your hand on your throat while speaking? Try it for some time, you will be able to notice there a many different vibrations. If you get to know those differences you will be able to connect each different feeling to a different sound. Same with music. deafskeptic likes this.

12-10-2011, 03:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
sallylou Potterhead and Janeite Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: My own private Idaho Posts: 6,653	Nope. All talked out about this subject. lol society's_child likes this. __________________

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12-10-2011, 01:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
jillio Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 60,296	There have been several threads about this in the past.

12-10-2011, 03:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
Latascha Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Munich Posts: 133	I had that in mind, too. Music is way too complex I think. But try it with your voice. You could put headphones on and listen to music during that time. Maybe that would be a good distraction and probably you won't hear that much of your voice anymore? This is just for you to get an idea. You'll never be able to pay that much attention to the vibrations, but then you don't have to. But what do you really want to know? You read already that we can feel the vibrations and therefore appreciate music.

12-10-2011, 03:26 PM	#13 (permalink)
sallylou Potterhead and Janeite Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: My own private Idaho Posts: 6,653	Bott, was there special significance to throwing HAs in the tree? Do you still do it? __________________

12-10-2011, 03:54 PM	#19 (permalink)
DeafBadger Ad Astra Per Aspera Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,430 Blog Entries: 1	Many deaf people can appreciate more than vibrations. Some have some hearing so they can hear changes in tone and pitch. I listen to a lot of music. I really enjoy it. I don't distinctively hear the lyrics or singing, so I don't know what is being sung, unless I read the lyrics somewhere and match them up to the song somehow. Sometimes I put my hands on the speakers to try to get more from the music. I've played an electric guitar, but I need an electronic tuner to know if the guitar is in tune. Sometimes, i can tell that the guitar doesn't sound "right" if it isn't in tune, but I can't put it into tune by ear. When I was growing up, I played my dad's acoustic guitar. I'd strum it while putting my chin on the hollow body. I'd feel the vibrations going thru my chin to the rest of my head. Got a headache after a while. lol I've thought about playing drums or bass guitar. I'd like to play in a band, but realistically, I don't think I'd hear well enough. Maybe I should try for membership in a deaf band, like Beethoven's Nightmare. A lot of us listen to music. Check out this thread. What song are you listening to? __________________ "Ad Astra Per Aspera" - Through hardships, to the stars. severe-to-profound in both ears, since birth. My Blog Pale Blue Dot (cc: Select Italian captions, then Translate Captions to English--English) "Labels are mentally lazy ways by which people assert they know you without knowing you." ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson

12-10-2011, 04:07 PM	#23 (permalink)
sequoias Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Iowa, wind generation capital Posts: 21,947	Yes they can. I was born deaf and I do appreciate music with lots of good beats.

12-10-2011, 04:22 PM	#26 (permalink)
kokonut Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 15,348	Speaking of good vibrations.... Wearable Speaker Vest/jacket __________________ Before AD. After AD. "Restriction on free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us." -Thurgood Marshall, former Supreme Court Justice "... turns out they are telling the truth."

12-10-2011, 05:08 PM	#28 (permalink)
kokonut Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 15,348	I tried it once...but the boom box was a bit bulky at the time. __________________ Before AD. After AD. "Restriction on free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us." -Thurgood Marshall, former Supreme Court Justice "... turns out they are telling the truth."

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