If you suffer from tone deafness, it means that you have a hard time telling the difference between musical notes. Some people think that tone deafness means that you just don’t have professional musical training, but being unable to tell the difference between notes has nothing to do with professional training.
How do you become tone deaf?
Tone deafness is considered an actual hearing impairment, and it is found to be a result of either genetics or brain injury. Studies have been performed on people suffering from tone deafness, and it was found that 90% of people suffering from tone deafness are missing the superior arcuate fasciculus, making most doctors believe that tone deafness is something that individuals are born with.
What does it mean if I’m tone deaf?
Tone deafness technically relates to being unable to tell the difference in pitches on musical instruments. Most people who suffer from tone deafness are still able to tell the difference in pitch when a person is talking or singing.
Are there other impairments that tone deaf people suffer from?
It has been found that the majority of individuals suffering from tone deafness are also unable to keep the rhythm of music, and some even find it difficult to remember or recognize a song while it’s playing.
How do I find out if I am tone deaf?
The only way to find out if you are tone deaf is to take a test. The internet is filled with plenty of DIY tests that will let you know if you are suffering from tone deafness. One of the most popular is a test by Jake Mandell. The test provides you with two musical sounds and you are to differentiate whether or not they are the same or different. He mentions that the test was created to be hard, so even talented and experienced musicians don’t score above 80%. Once you take the test, you’ll receive a score to let you know if you are tone deaf.
If you want a more professional way to find out if you are tone deaf, you may want to have a test done by an ear, nose and throat doctor. These doctors are trained in all things related to the ear, nose and throat, and they will be able to perform in house tests to check your hearing. These tests can tell you whether or not you are suffering from tone deafness, and it may make you feel better hearing the news from a professional instead of a website.
It is possible that if you cannot tell the difference in pitch that you may not be tone deaf but simply suffering from pitchiness. Taking an online test may not tell you where the tone deafness is coming from, but a test by your ENT will. If you want to find out if you are tone deaf, you need to take a test, whether online or through your doctor. Only then will you be able to know if you are suffering from tone deafness or pitchiness.
Marla Smith writes, sings and produces sheet music for guitar players. She lives in Ohio where she also teaches music to children with disabilities.
