Music and Cochlear Implants

Currently, most people with modern multichannel cochlear implant systems can understand speech in quiet environment very well. However, studies in recent decades reported a lack of satisfaction in music perception with cochlear implants. This article reviews the literature on music ability of cochlear implant users by presenting a systematic outline of the capabilities and limitations of cochlear implant recipients with regard to their music perception as well as production. The review also evaluates the similarities and differences between electric hearing and acoustic hearing regarding music perception. We summarize the research results in terms of the individual components of music (e.g., rhythm, pitch, and timbre). Finally, we briefly introduce the vocal singing of prelingually-deafened children with cochlear implants as evaluated by acoustic measures.