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The Sunday Magazine

Can singing in a choir help with hearing loss?

Researchers are testing the theory that singing in a choir can actually improve the ability to hear as we age. Alisa Siegel’s documentary is called “Rx - Sing Your Heart Out.”
CBC Radio ·
Some of the participants in the Ryerson choir study

Singing in a choir is cheaper than therapy, the saying goes. 

Healthier than drinking and more fun than exercising. 

But good for hearing loss? That's a new one.

A study underway at Toronto's Ryerson University is looking at the impact of choir participation on older adults with hearing problems. 

Frank Russo, professor of psychology and director of the SMART Lab at Ryerson University.
Professor Frank Russo and graduate student, Ella Dubinsky, believe singing in a choir can actually improve the ability to hear as we age, by fine-tuning the brain's ability to distinguish pitch.

At Ryerson's SMART lab — The Science of Music, Auditory Research and Technology — they're putting their ideas to the test, with the help of an energetic group of seniors.

Alisa Siegel's documentary is called Rx: Sing Your Heart Out.

Click 'listen' above to hear the full documentary. 

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