An Extraordinary Memoir
Matt Hay’s memoir, Soundtrack of Silence: Love, Loss, and a Playlist for Life, is a testament to the human spirit, the forces of love and science, and the universal power of music. In this intimate and inspiring narrative, Hay celebrates the transformative power of music and technology, and demonstrates how love can fortify the human spirit against seemingly insurmountable challenges.
A Late Diagnosis and Life-Changing News
In his younger years, Hay skillfully concealed his hearing difficulties, copying his classmates’ responses during annual audio tests. However, as a college sophomore, a routine checkup at the medical center revealed a rare disorder: Neurofibromatosis Type 2. This condition would eventually lead to complete deafness, as tumors grew on the hearing nerves of his brain. Despite initial efficacy of hearing aids, surgical interventions became inevitable.
Preparing for a Silent Future
Hay, along with his future wife, Nora, adapted to the impending reality by learning lip reading and sign language. In a poignant effort to preserve his favorite sounds, he created a playlist of songs that held deep emotional significance, such as The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ and Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’. This playlist served as an auditory repository of cherished memories, ensuring their permanence in his mind.
Embracing Technological Advances
When Hay’s hearing finally left him at the age of 25, he did not give up hope. Research led him to an innovative solution: the auditory brainstem implant (ABI). This new technology, though utilized by only a few hundred individuals at the time, offered Hay a glimpse of sound once more. His narrative not only highlights his personal struggles but also underscores the significance of technological advancements in improving quality of life.
Matt Hay’s Soundtrack of Silence is more than a memoir; it is an educational and inspirational tale that resonates deeply. His contribution to raising awareness about his condition and advancing auditory research is a remarkable feat of humanity and selflessness
