Drever, John L.. 2025. 'The Emergence of Auraldiversity: “On Deaf Ears”'. In: AURAL DIVERSITY CONFERENCE. University of Salford, United Kingdom 5 September 2025. [Conference or Workshop Item]

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Abstract or Description

More than a decade has passed since the introduction of the terms auraltypical hearing and auraldiversity by Drever (Harvard, 2015). This presentation offers a critical reflection on the emergence of these concepts, examining the conceptual and ideological challenges they have faced, as well as the broader social, cultural, and scientific contexts that have shaped their development.

Significant precursors to this discourse include the World Health Organisation’s Community Noise report (1999), which introduced the notion of "vulnerable subgroups." Additionally, the development of the ISO Soundscape standard (2014), along with thematic networks such as HEFUA (on ultrasound), the Noise Abatement Society and The 2nd International Conference on Hyperacusis, provided important influences on the evolving framework, along with inspiration from students’ projects at Goldsmiths, such as the collaborative work of Will Renel with Jess Thom (Touretteshero).

From the outset, its development was marked by caution and critical self-awareness. The term was coined out of necessity, yet there were apprehensions regarding potential backlash on appropriating or diluting existing disability discourses. A key concern was whether broadening the conceptual boundaries of hearing differences might undermine legal definitions of disability. These tensions were particularly evident within segments of the D/deaf community, where opposition to cochlear implants and concerns over the medicalisation of Deaf identity reflected broader complexities surrounding identity politics at the time. In actuality, the introduction of the concept of auraldiversity into academic, public, and professional spheres has not been without resistance and pushback, whilst welcomed by Arts and Humanities, concerted and prolonged resistance was encountered from the field of acoustics.

The time frame explored in this talk culminates in the establishment of the Aural Diversity Project in 2018, which marked a significant consolidation, catalysing wider uptake of the concept.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Keywords:	auraldiversity; aural diversity; auraltypical, WHO Vulnerable Subgroups
Related URLs:	https://laura.salford.ac.uk/news/aural-d...
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Music Music > Unit for Sound Practice Research
Dates:	Date Event 5 September 2025 Completed 5 August 2025 Accepted
Event Location:	University of Salford, United Kingdom
Date range:	5 September 2025
Item ID:	39553
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2025 11:22
Last Modified:	12 Sep 2025 10:04
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/39553

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