For many, music is a universal language that unites people when words cannot. But for those who use cochlear implants – technology that now allows many deaf and hard of hearing people to comprehend speech, hearing music remains challenging. 
The narrator is Les Atlas, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington, and hopes to change this. He has, working with Ph.D. students, other faculty, and collaborator Jay Rubinstein, a University of Washington professor of otolaryngology and bioengineering, recently published initial findings in a peer-reviewed research journal IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering. As you will hear in these demonstrations, our published technique lets users perceive differences between musical instruments, a significant improvement from what standard cochlear implants can offer.

Prof. Atlas, University of Washington, New strategy lets cochlear implant users hear music

Professor and Bloedel Scholar
Department of Electrical Engineering
University of Washington

Severely deaf now. Used to be an audio engineer and roadie for some of the loudest acts. Please wear your hearing protection!

Prof. Atlas, University of Washington, New strategy lets cochlear implant users hear music

les atlas