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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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I Can Hear You Whisper summary
Lydia Denworth
An Intimate Journey Through the Science of Sound and Language
15 mins
Brief summary
I Can Hear You Whisper by Lydia Denworth is a remarkable journey of a mother studying science to better understand and engage with her deaf son. It is a moving story about the importance of sound, language, and connection in human life.
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I Can Hear You Whisper
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Key idea 1 of 7
Hearing is a complex process that doesn’t function perfectly in everyone.
Most people take their ability to hear for granted. Hearing, like so many other physiological functions, is a highly complex process.
So how is sound created and how do our ears process it?
Noise is made when molecules in the air vibrate and create a sound wave. Our outer ear catches sound waves and works like a funnel, sending them into the ear canal. The ear canal then amplifies them and sends them onto the eardrum.
When a sound hits the eardrum, it vibrates and changes from acoustic energy into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy then moves through three tiny bones called the hammer, anvil and stirrup, and enters the inner ear.
Once in the inner ear, the sound enters the fluid-filled cochlea, where it changes into hydro-energy. Tiny hairs in the cochlea detect movements in the fluid and generate electrical impulses in the brain, causing you to “hear” the sound.
But this process doesn’t function properly for everyone: while most people can hear sounds within a range of 20 to 20,000 Hertz (Hz), other people’s range is much smaller or nonexistent.
Life is very different for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you can’t hear people speak, for instance, you have to rely on completely different methods of communication.
That’s why such a vibrant culture has developed around deafness. The deaf community has had to come up with alternative ways for a lot of things hearing people rely on their hearing for. Deafness shouldn’t necessarily be considered a lack of something: it’s an identity in its own right.
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What is I Can Hear You Whisper about?
I Can Hear You Whisper (2014) is about human communication, and the phenomenon and culture of deafness. Hearing is a complex process that doesn’t function the same way for everyone, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing have developed alternative methods of communication, around which a special culture has grown. These blinks give an overview of that culture and show that it’s just as rich as any other.
I Can Hear You Whisper Review
I Can Hear You Whisper (2014) is a thought-provoking exploration of the science and personal experiences behind the world of deafness. Here's why this book stands out:
- Through real-life stories and expert interviews, it sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of those who are deaf, creating a deeper understanding and empathy.
- It goes beyond the surface and delves into the science of sound perception, providing fascinating insights into the inner workings of the human ear and brain.
- With its rich storytelling and captivating anecdotes, the book manages to make the complex subject of sound accessible and intriguing, proving that science can be engaging.
Best quote from I Can Hear You Whisper
Helen Keller famously said that being blind cut you off from things, but being deaf cut you off from people.
—Lydia Denworth
Who should read I Can Hear You Whisper?
- Anyone interested in the science or culture of deafness
- Sociology or medical students
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I Can Hear You Whisper FAQs
What is the main message of I Can Hear You Whisper?
The main message of I Can Hear You Whisper is the power of communication and understanding in the face of hearing loss.
How long does it take to read I Can Hear You Whisper?
The reading time for I Can Hear You Whisper varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is I Can Hear You Whisper a good book? Is it worth reading?
I Can Hear You Whisper is a worthwhile read that sheds light on the experiences of individuals with hearing loss and the importance of empathy.
Who is the author of I Can Hear You Whisper?
Lydia Denworth is the author of I Can Hear You Whisper.
What to read after I Can Hear You Whisper?
If you're wondering what to read next after I Can Hear You Whisper, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Mastering Communication at Work by Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann
- Sonic Boom by Joel Beckerman with Tyler Gray
- Small is Beautiful by E. F. Schumacher
- The Poetry and Music of Science by Tom McLeish
- Civilizations by Mary Beard
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Crashed by Adam Tooze
- Makers and Takers by Rana Foroohar
- Brag Better by Meredith Fineman
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl