The Deaf Perspective: A Content Analysis Study to Determine Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals' Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Musi

The purpose of the present study was to determine deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals' perceptions and attitudes towards music. Content analysis was used to examine online weblogs, vlogs, videos, and articles written by deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals that focused on the topic of music. Results revealed a total of 27 relevant online sources used in the current study. Of those sources, 215 individual comments about music were analyzed for thematic content and placed into one of 18 separate categories. The five categories or themes with the highest percentages of comments were (1) music experienced through visual or vibratory methods, (2) music and Deaf Culture, (3) personal fulfillment through music, (4) the importance of music, and (5) preference for musical instruments. Of the 215 comments, visual or vibratory stimuli were the most cited methods of experiencing music for Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. Many comments in the study stated feeling the vibrations produced by music is vital to being able to fully access the sound. Comments from deaf musicians also cited the importance of feeling the vibrations produced by their instruments to be able to discriminate between pitches. Thirty-seven comments in the study contained material focused on personal fulfillment through music listening, and comments on why music is significant for Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. Several comments within the study simply stated and validated that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals enjoy music listening and participate in music making. Specific examples of comments about music made by deaf individuals can be found within the results section of this paper. Limitations to the study as well as implications for music educators and music therapists are also discussed.