Aural Diversity

Within Audiology the traditional models of hearing function have considered loss, impairment, dysfunction, based on a concept of normal hearing to which individuals can be compared. Whilst there is such a thing as a normal pure tone audiogram, this simply indicates the ability to detect tones in silence and omits many of the most important frequency ranges for human hearing. This chapter reviews the many types of aural diversity that have been named and described, from the inability to detect sound, to discriminate sound, to perceive sound in a way faithful to the signal, and to tolerate sound. Whilst I accept the benefits of an aural diversity perspective, I do also describe the challenges in many of these experiences, and the desire of Audiologists and Otologists to improve the lived experience of persons in whom these symptoms exist.