Concerts for deaf people who have received cutting-edge implant

Published on Monday 3 August 2009 11:07

IT IS a musical extravaganza for the city aimed at all ages which has been months in the planning.

The difference is, the audience will be made up of deaf people from across the UK who have received a cutting-edge hearing implant.

The unique event is aimed at improving the quality of life of those who have cochlear implants, a device enabling many deaf people the gift of hearing.

The device is designed to pick up speech, and users have long complained that many types of music are unbearable to listen to, such as compositions with high pitches or frequencies.

As a result, a cochlear manufacturer has recruited an Edinburgh composer who has created two musicals – for children and adults – which will be performed on 18 and 19 September at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

The two pieces avoid using the types of sounds that can cause problems for implant patients.

Zack Moir, who is working towards a PhD at Edinburgh University's institute for music in human and social development, said the musicals presented a number of challenges.

"First and foremost it had to be a proper musical which everyone could enjoy, not just some backhanded effort for a small number of people," said the 24-year-old who lives in Newington.

"You have to be careful not to be patronising with this. So far the feedback has been really great, and some people say it's life changing.

"Initially, we want people to enjoy the music at the concert, and then it can hopefully expand to make music a part of their lives. It means so much to us, whether we are aware of it or not, and it's important everyone has that chance."

The event for children will be called The Farmer's Cheese, while the adult show will be called Deacon, and is based on the story of Deacon Brodie.

It has been organised by the organisation Medel and it is expected around 100 people will attend each event.

North Berwick composer Dr Oliver Searle has also been heavily involved in the writing of the pieces.

A spokeswoman for Medel said: "Because the implants are designed to pick up speech, many have described listening to music as if it were under water, or perhaps coming from loud speakers several blocks away.

"When you think about it, it can really impact on your enjoyment of films, television programmes and life in general. We're hoping this can make a difference to that."

Dalry 30-year-old Mark Ramsay received a cochlear implant last year enabling him to hear for the first time.

He said: "I support this concert and I think others with cochlear implants would be interested in it too.

"I have been told that getting music on an iPod can really help those with the implants.

"A lot of deaf people wouldn't understand music, and some just log on to the internet to read the lyrics or watch subtitles – I used to do that with Top of the Pops.

"I grew up without music so it doesn't really bother me, but I do think it adds something to films and television programmes."

The events take place on September 18 and 19 at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street. Tickets are priced 6/4.