Noesis

This article has hit cyberspace, where someone has home programmed their cochlear implant in order to hear Bolero better. Blogs such as Boing Boing have picked it up, and it even has a high rating via Digg.

Personally I cannot read the article, perhaps finding it boring and being subjected to cochlear issues for years. Apart from reading and debating, I'm thinking here of presentations I've had to make at conferences where I've had to take a neutral line but an attempt to be political, the summer schools and training I've had to deliver, keeping a straight face with my stomach flipping. Yes there's the boredom, and there is an inner protest happening. There is a deeper element here too.

Firstly, I will say, what this guy wishes to do, that's his own business, and good for him. Glad he fulfilled his desire. However, what gets me is the mainstream's reaction to this, and whilst I understand in part it is a fascination with technology, an extension of a mainstream interest, there is also an element further fuelling the desire for normalisation and the fact that hearing is a must. Detracting from the norm is almost feared by some. Whilst not strictly relevant in these circumstances, but nonetheless relevant, is the necessary distinction that must be made between technology that works with us, as opposed to changes us; one that people often fail to identify nevermind grasp.

When such issues such as BSL recognition hit the headlines, the major blogs and people aren't interested. It is frequently seen on mainstream TV when they attempt to do some "debate" (and I use that word with an extremely loose meaning), there is a complete lack of understanding relating to the issues. Hearing people can latch very well onto the desire to hear, but their understanding rarely leaves these boundaries. One wishes a magic wand could be raised to change all this.