Cochlear implants and music - yes, it works!

Many people who are about to have a cochlear implant wonder whether they will be able to hear music with their CI? Or even be able to play an instrument themselves? The answer: Yes! An insight into the world of some CI users who can no longer imagine life without music.

Music with a cochlear implant in rehabilitation

CI user Heinz is a passionate folk musician and can't imagine life without his instruments. Heinz has a single-sided implant and making music has helped him a lot during his rehabilitation: "My folk music was actually the best therapy." After his operation, he got his old harmonica out again and started playing. "It almost scared me at first, but I soon noticed progress. So I kept playing and the successes weren't long in coming," Heinz recalls. Above all, he enjoys being able to make music together with others.

Not just listening, but enjoying

Music also plays an important role in Moritz's life as an advertiser, sound designer and composer. For many years, he made music while only hearing in one ear. Thanks to his bone conduction implant, he can now hear on both sides and uses this for his great compositions: "My hearing is one of my most important instruments."

Hearing on both sides makes it easier for Moritz to communicate with his customers and allows him to follow conversations even in larger groups. He also enjoys the full sound when making music. "My implant is irreplaceable when making music. You can think about sound design, but the moment you create the sound, nothing beats hearing."

Experience music from an early age

Michaela is the mother of two bilaterally implanted children. Victoria and Florian were both fitted with cochlear implants in early childhood and grew up hearing. "It was always important to us that the children were able to get to know the music of the world," says Michaela. Both children play instruments, flute and guitar, and attended a music middle school. Victoria also sings in the choir. Music is simply part of everyday life for the family.