The Memphis SOUND Project
The Memphis SOUND Project: Improving Hearing Healthcare in Our Community
Research shows that untreated hearing loss can lead to problems with thinking and memory, physical health, and social connections. Hearing aids and cochlear implants can help reduce these risks, but less than 15% of adults who could benefit from them actually use them. This is especially concerning in Memphis, where Black adults have higher rates of hearing-related health conditions but are less likely to receive hearing care. However, there hasn’t been enough research on how to improve hearing healthcare for Black adults.
We know that social and environmental factors make it harder for some people to get the care they need. To address this, the Cochlear Implant Research Lab (CIRL) at the University of Memphis is leading The Memphis SOUND Project—a community-based research effort focused on improving hearing healthcare. SOUND stands for Serving Our Underrepresented Neighbors who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. This project aims to understand the challenges people face when seeking hearing care, starting right here in Memphis. The ultimate goal is to help more people access the hearing services they need to improve their communication and quality of life.
What makes The Memphis SOUND Project unique is its community-first approach. The project brings together community members, researchers, and healthcare professionals to work toward shared goals. We believe that everyone involved has valuable expertise to contribute. This approach helps build trust and encourages participation, especially among groups that have historically been left out of research. Community-based research like this has many benefits, including making healthcare solutions more relevant and lasting, increasing community involvement, and improving overall public health. This is why the Memphis SOUND Project is partnering with historically Black faith-based organizations to learn more about hearing healthcare access in our community.
Memphis is known as the cultural heart of the Mid-South and Mississippi Delta region. With over 621,000 residents, our city has a rich cultural history and strong social networks. These networks provide a foundation for meaningful community engagement and health initiatives. While Memphis faces challenges such as a 21.4% poverty rate and higher rates of preventable health conditions, the city’s resilience and deep traditions offer a unique opportunity to explore and improve hearing healthcare access.
A key part of this project is our Community Advisory Board, which includes members from different walks of life. These include healthcare professionals, Deaf Studies experts, and community members with personal experiences with hearing loss. Their insights help ensure that our research is meaningful and effective for Black individuals in Memphis who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The name Memphis SOUND Project is inspired by “The Memphis Sound”—a style of Southern Soul Music that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. Influenced by jazz, blues, and gospel, Memphis Soul tells stories of both struggle and joy, creating deep connections through music. Just like the music it’s named after, The Memphis SOUND Project is about improving communication so that people can build deeper, more meaningful connections in their lives.