Volume Control

Hearing in a Deafening World

By: David Owen

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

The surprising science of hearing and the remarkable technologies that can help us hear better

Our sense of hearing makes it easy to connect with the world and the people around us. The human system for processing sound is a biological marvel, an intricate assembly of delicate membranes, bones, receptor cells, and neurons. Yet many people take their ears for granted, abusing them with loud restaurants, rock concerts, and Q-tips. And then, eventually, most of us start to go deaf.

Millions of Americans suffer from hearing loss. Faced with the cost and stigma of hearing aids, the natural human tendency is to do nothing and hope for the best, usually while pretending that nothing is wrong. In Volume Control, David Owen argues this inaction comes with a huge social cost. He demystifies the science of hearing while encouraging listeners to get the treatment they need for hearing loss and protect the hearing they still have.

Hearing aids are rapidly improving and becoming more versatile. Inexpensive high-tech substitutes are increasingly available, making it possible for more of us to boost our weakening ears without bankrupting ourselves. Relatively soon, physicians may be able to reverse losses that have always been considered irreversible. Even the insistent buzz of tinnitus may soon yield to relatively simple treatments and techniques. With wit and clarity, Owen explores the incredible possibilities of technologically assisted hearing. And he proves that ears, whether they're working or not, are endlessly interesting.

©2019 David Owen (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Informative and entertaining.... In clear, appealing prose, Owen explains how loud sounds - machinery, live music, etc. - can leave people no longer noticing smoke alarms, sirens, gunshots, and backup signals...he makes earwax interesting... The book brims with useful advice.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Timely and informative.... This well-researched and accessible introduction to the complicated subject of hearing loss is highly recommended for all science readers, not just those experiencing hearing impairments.” (Library Journal, starred review)

“In Volume Control David Owen brings his superb skills as a reporter and storyteller to the increasingly urgent issue of hearing loss. The baby-boomers are aging—and so are their ears. Fortunately, and probably because of this demographic trend, both science and commerce are at last paying attention to this invisible but epidemic problem. Owen is an erudite and entertaining guide not only to the new technologies that make hearing aids better and more affordable, but to the myriad byways and curiosities he encounters in his research.” (Katherine Bouton, author of Smart Hearing and Shouting Won't Help)

I hear you, about the science and beyond

This book is an excellent example of how our scientific understanding can improve the lives of individuals and better society as a whole.

This book helps me understand and appreciate the importance of hearing. It shares the scientific basis of hearing as a biological function and its importance in social interaction and cultural context. It's well-organized and articulated. I finished it over the weekend and learned a lot.

More importantly, it shines a light on people with tinnitus and hearing loss and explicitly discusses the unspoken stigma for the hearing-impaired community. Many people suffer tinnitus silently, although their world is never quiet. The author offers some ways of potential relief and hope. For the unspoken prejudice towards the hearing-impaired, he also provides some ideas on educating the public and empowering the affected people.

If you like this book and its research examples and want more on hearing and other senses from the neurological perspective, check out "Zero to Birth: How the Human Brain Is Built" by W.A. Harris (2022 If you want to learn another body function/system other than hearing, check out "Immune: A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive" by Philipp Dettmer (2021) and "Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding" by Daniel Lieberman (2021). For more about ASL as a language, check our "Language and the Mind" by Spencer D. Kelly (2020).

Great, interesting

The only downside is the boring narrator/reader. But this was a surprise - very interesting content.

An excellent book

This book is for everyone interested in hearing It is one of the best books that I have ever listened to. The author has a hearing problem and has explored every facet of the problem and possible treatments..

Too many inaccuracies

Books like this are tough. Doctors are generally not good writers. Good writers have trouble understanding the science. In this case he made way too many mistakes so don't trust the information is this book. On top of that, he gets a bit long-winded, presumably trying to show off his technical prowess even though he doesn't actually understand it.