An Overview of Research & Trials
Art Meet Science
Having an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, my approach to these trials will use the scientific methodology standard by limiting parameters to minimize variability between trials.
Question: What are the artistic impacts of playing piano with hearing loss and using hearing aids?
Research: Swipe through the slideshow below for an overview of my research that led to this project!
Scroll down past the slideshow, to read more about the Hypothesis, Experiment, Data Analysis, Conclusion and Communication for this trial.
What is the Scientific Method?
The method involves 7 steps: Question, Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data Analysis, Conclusion, and Communication.
What does it mean to limit parameters?
Parameters: is any set of physical properties whose values determine the characteristics or behaviour of something. For example, we are producing recordings to show the differences of how hearing aids and my hearing respond to piano playing. In this situation to compare recordings we are keeping the piano constant, the recording constant, the sound engineer constant etc…. The more variables we can keep constant within the experiment to highlight the artistic impact of playing piano with hearing aids the better.
What is a variable?
Variables are anything that can change or be changed within an experiment. Scientists will use variables to ensure they can pinpoint the cause of their experimental results. By manipulating variables, scientists are able to create controlled and valid experiments. An example of the variables for this experiment are the three hearing aids, my Sony earplugs and my current hearing aid.
Research
This slideshow will be easier to read in landscape!
Hypothesis
Furthermore, I feel the technology of today will help with the distortion and pitch wobbling I hear with my Siemens Micron 2015 aid. I think with the jump in technology and support of other musicians and professional musicians promoting these hearing aids, these aids are continually advancing. Although they are all built with a bias to help communicate spoken language and speech, some are better then others in communicating music. I want to find the best suited hearing aid for my piano playing and hearing loss.
Experiment
With a total of 3 new hearing aids being compared, Each hearing aid will be investigated by learning and recording a single piece of music. A total of 3 pieces will be learned, with pieces having no previous correlation with the associated hearing aid. For each hearing aid, one recording session will be done with recording artist Nigel Baines, using the same grand piano and the equipment.
Hearing Aids
- Widex
Widex markets their hearing aid as being built specifically for musicians. (Phil Collins, Neil Young and Chris Martin among others, use this!) - Oticon
Oticon is the leader of the market, claiming it can “bring music back to life” with its MyMusic program. - Bernafon
Bernafon is an affordable hearing aid option with a solid reputation for “connecting to a host of digital sound sources.”
For each piece learned with a new hearing aid, it will be compared with the following:
A. Natural hearing – No hearing devices
B. Sony noise-cancelling earplugs
C. My current hearing aid, 2015 Siemens MiCON 301
*Note Sony noise-cancelling earplugs do not block out tinnitus; they are used by many professional musicians to protect and prevent further hearing loss, including Annie Lennox and Sting!
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the medical term for “hearing” noises in your ears. It occurs when there is no outside source of the sounds. Tinnitus is often called “ringing in the ears.” It may also sound like blowing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling, or sizzling.
Next step: two-week trials with each hearing aid, including a new piece practiced and learned, and the third week is the recording session. Stay tuned!
Data Analysis: Stay Tuned!
Conclusion: I Can’t Wait!…
Communication:
To learn more about me and Trial 1 collaborators click here