Abstract
Background
Music is ubiquitous across cultures. Music may provide emotional respite, trigger memories, improve mood or facilitate communication. The aim of this systematic literature review was to ascertain if, and to what degree, hearing loss, the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants impacts on post-lingual, late-deafened adults’ perception, appreciation, and participation with music.
Method
Four databases, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and APA Psychinfo were searched using key terms associated with hearing loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants; and music perception, music appreciation, or music participation. Included studies were empirical, written in English, peer reviewed, used any research design or method, had no date restrictions, and involved late-deafened adults. A double-blind review was undertaken to select studies for inclusion, and extracted data were thematically analysed.
Results
Of the 2,595 identified articles, 131 were included in this review. Eighteen articles focused on music experiences for adults who had a hearing loss who may or may not wear a hearing aid. Significantly, of 113 articles related to cochlear implant users (bimodal, bilateral, unilateral), 91 focused primarily on testing music perception through the identification of music structural components.
Discussion
This review identified a wide range of complex issues surrounding music related to hearing loss, hearing aids, or cochlear implants. Published research focuses on music perception, particularly in relation to cochlear implants. Research is needed to understand the broader context of how hearing loss and hearing devices affect music and how these effects might impact personal mental and physical well-being, and psychosocial quality of life.

Full article available:
Bleckly, F., Lo, C. Y., Rapport, F., & Clay-Williams, R. (2024). Music Perception, Appreciation, and Participation in Post-Lingually Deafened Adults and Cochlear Implant Users: A Systematic Literature Review. Trends in Hearing, 28, 1–35.