Positivity in Sound and Images....

Who understands this subject better than hearing- and visually-challenged individuals? I recently met one of my patients who has had hearing difficulties for many years. I have been fortunate to help her hear better for the past 20 years. She is now 91 years old and a deeply devoted follower of God. Every word she speaks is an expression of her devotion. I recently visited her at her request, as she wanted to meet and treat me with her kindness. She greeted me warmly and expressed immense gratitude for the help I provided to improve her hearing. She said, "The best part of the hearing help you gave me is that it has not only allowed me to communicate with my family, but it has also helped me hear my own voice. Hearing my own voice makes me feel I can sing better for my God. I also understand that I don’t make mistakes while praying because my pronunciations are correct when I pray to God." I was amazed by her devotion to God—our God. She carries the image of God in her mind, heart, and soul and firmly believes in His presence. Hearing her own voice has strengthened her ability to pray and express gratitude. Listening to her, I truly understood the meaning of the positivity of sound and image.

In today’s social media world, where the spread of sound and image has reached unprecedented levels, individuals like her offer a profoundly different perspective on the value of sound and image. On social media, influencers often promote competition, comparison, jealousy, and superficiality. In contrast, people like her exemplify devotion and dedication. Our special senses, like hearing and vision, must be used wisely to discern what is truly good or harmful for us. However, in today’s fast-paced world, the misuse of sound—through excessive noise and exposure—may lead to hearing loss, affecting an estimated 2.5 million young people by 2050. Similarly, the overuse of computer screens and digital devices may result in visual impairment for a significant number of people. It’s a reminder to use our senses mindfully and preserve their integrity for a meaningful and balanced life.

People born with hearing impairments, when provided with sound through digital hearing aids or cochlear implants, strive to make the best use of it in a positive way. This enables them to communicate with the world and integrate into society. They often rely on visual cues, such as lip reading, to enhance their understanding and build meaningful connections for effective communication. On the other hand, visually impaired individuals, who cannot see images, develop heightened awareness of auditory cues from their environment. They often use their sense of touch to perceive images through Braille, enabling them to read and interact with the world in unique ways. If anyone wants to experience the true positivity of sound and image, they should spend time with hearing- and visually-impaired individuals. Their resilience and innovative ways of navigating the world offer invaluable lessons about perception and adaptability.

We use software that helps us analyze voice and speech patterns in individuals. This technology provides visual representations and detailed feedback on a person's sound production. It is an invaluable tool for understanding the differences between an individual’s speech and that of a typical speaker, based on statistical studies. Unlike social media, where comparisons often lead to competition, this software facilitates constructive analysis. By understanding sound and visual feedback, individuals can progress toward achieving normal speech and communication levels more effectively. Using this software, we have successfully treated many hearing-impaired individuals. Witnessing their ability to develop speech and voice similar to that of hearing individuals boosts their enthusiasm, motivation, and positivity to learn. Many of them can now hear and speak nearly as well as those without impairments, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into society.

The sky isn’t the limit—it has no limits. Similarly, positivity in sound and image knows no bounds. What truly matters is how we perceive these sounds and images. Some people enjoy reading books with illustrations, while others prefer listening to audiobooks. Some like to read romantic novels, while others enjoy stories or adventures. Similarly, musical preferences vary—some enjoy romantic melodies, some prefer sad tunes, while others are drawn to soft, soothing music or loud, vibrant beats with intense vibrations. Many find solace in bhajans that bring peace to the soul, or in prayers accompanied by musical instruments. The most beautiful experience is that of any person, anywhere in the world, visiting a spiritual place—be it a temple, mosque, church, or any other. Listening to divine prayers and feeling the image of God in their heart brings an unparalleled sense of peace and connection.

Seeing the image of an innocent Lord Krishna and listening to the melodious sound of his flute used to mesmerize everyone around him. It filled people with so much positivity, as they felt assured that someone divine was looking out for them. The image of God and the sound of His presence gave them the energy and hope to face life’s challenges. In contrast, today, through social media, electronic, and print media, we are constantly exposed to images and sounds of crime, corruption, and negativity. This relentless exposure is slowly eroding our positivity and outlook on life. Don’t you think it’s time for us to reflect on this and consciously choose what we see and hear? Shouldn’t we work towards bringing more positivity into our lives and the lives of others?

I was reading an interesting perspective on image and sound—the possibility, in our modern world, to preserve them. We can now save our images and recorded speech, revisit them, and reflect on what they reveal about us. Do these images spread smiles, or do they reflect our attitude toward life? Do they make us feel elegant and confident, or do they highlight areas where we need improvement? Similarly, the words and speech we have used on various occasions—did they inspire and uplift others, or did they merely reflect self-centeredness? By analyzing the depth of our own sound and image, we can better understand how much positivity we bring into our lives and the lives of others. It’s a powerful exercise in self-reflection that can guide us toward becoming better versions of ourselves.

It is often said that if you can face yourself and your image in the mirror, you can face anyone in the world. Similarly, receiving feedback on your own sound—how you speak and express yourself—can help you understand your attitude toward life. This reflection offers insights into how positive or negative you are in your approach to personal growth and interactions. Music and films also play a significant role in fostering positivity. Music, with its diverse genres, can uplift our spirits, calm our minds, or motivate us to take action. A song can transform our mood and provide comfort during tough times. Similarly, films, through their storytelling and powerful visuals, inspire us, evoke empathy, and remind us of life’s beauty and potential. Together, music and films help us connect with our emotions, build resilience, and encourage a positive outlook on life.