By Samuel R. Atcherson
Spotify plays his favorite song.
Through Bluetooth the song is streamed to the external cochlear implant processor.
Through radio the song passes through the skin to the internal cochlear implant receiver.
Through electrical activity the cochlear implant electrodes stimulate the auditory system.
The brain perceives the song.
Never does the song touch air molecules.
Matrix?
Samuel R. Atcherson, Ph.D., FNAP, is a Professor of Audiology and Speech Pathology and Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at UAMS. He has lifelong hearing loss, is a tinkerer and sound explorer, and often is deep in thought about the miracles and challenges of life.