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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Hair Cell Regeneration
- Unlike other organs, damaged hair cells in human ears do not regenerate, leading to cumulative hearing loss.
- Other vertebrates like fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds can regenerate these cells, potentially due to shorter lifespans and lower cancer risk.
Growing Up Deaf
- Rebecca Knill, a self-described "cyborg," grew up profoundly deaf, relying on lip-reading and navigating an audio-centric world.
- She highlights the challenges of growing up deaf, such as relying on her sister as an alarm clock and using powerful hearing aids.
Cochlear Implant Function
- Cochlear implants utilize computer chips to simulate the function of damaged hair cells, converting sound into electrical signals.
- With a limited number of electrodes, these implants represent a wide range of sounds, much like a small set of crayons recreating all colors.