Aural Diversity Network

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Everybody hears differently! But our world is built on an assumption that everybody has the ears of a healthy 18-year old (BSISO226:2003; Sterne 2012). In fact, our hearing changes all the time. We experience varying amounts of hearing loss as we age (presbycusis). Millions of people suffer from a range of more severe hearing losses related to conditions, disorders, traumas and shocks. And differences in hearing need not necessarily mean loss. Increased sound sensitivity (hyperacusis), aversion to sounds (misophonia), and tinnitus are experienced by many. Even having a cold can affect the way we listen.The Aural Diversity network seeks to address this complex picture by researching differences in hearing and listening. It is not restricted solely to disability or deafness. Its objectives are to:- complement existing theoretical and practice-based research by exploring aural diversity- review, critique and develop interdisciplinary methodologies for investigating aural diversity- refine and develop thinking about enhanced access to the arts and humanities- improve hearing care through increased understanding of hearing and listening types- communicate findings to academic and non-academic communities- build critical mass of expertise which is visible internationally and develop impetus for integration of aural diversity issues.The network comprises three groups: five core academic partners with expertise in music, sound studies, acoustics, psychology, hearing sciences and audio technology; a wider network comprising over forty named academics and practitioners, artists and therapists, from across the UK and abroad; and several non-academic organisations, including the British Tinnitus Association, Action on Hearing Loss, GNResound (hearing aids), Noise Abatement Society; Sound and Music, Patient & Public Involvement groups. The Attenborough Arts Centre, which has a tradition in accessibility is named as a Project Partner. The project will stage five workshops:Workshop 1 (Goldsmiths): aural diversity in the soundscape. Includes a concert featuring new works by aurally diverse artists for an aurally diverse audience.Workshop 2 (Nottingham): scientific and clinical aspects. How an arts and humanities approach might complement, challenge, and enhance scientific investigation.Workshop 3 (Salford): acoustics of listening differently. How acoustic design of the built and digital environments can be improved.Workshop 4 (Leeds): hearing care and technologies. How the use of hearing aid technologies may affect music and everyday auditory experiences.Workshop 5 (Leicester): music and performance. Use of new technologies in composition and performance.The network builds on the Aural Diversity project led by PI Andrew Hugill (auraldiversity.org). It will benefit musicians and sonic artists by increasing understanding of hearing difference, leading to new audiences for accessible performance events. It will change compositional practice for a music that adapts to listeners' needs. It will contribute to the study of hearing in literature, film etc. It will impact Soundscape Studies by challenging the widespread acceptance that current standardisations for perception of sound environments equates to standardisation of the 'average' listener. It will influence Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. It will help shape policy by improving the sound environment. It will benefit patient groups by understanding the experiences of people with auditory dysfunctions. It will inform healthcare practitioners to improve audiology/hearing devices. The general public will be invited to attend workshops and included via the mailing list. Feedback to previous conferences showed the value of allowing the public to steer the research. Participants stressed the importance of "a variety of voices and experiences, from academic to everyday life". The network will maintain a website and social media, and publish peer-reviewed art