Scientists in the United States say that new research shows that it might one day be possible to help people who suffer from tune deafness, the inability to hear a wrong note which means the joy of music is lost for many. BBC science reporter Matt McGrath has more:

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(Music)

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(Music)

Well a surprisingly large number of people can't tell that the second tune contains a few bum notes.

Between two and four percent of the population with normal hearing suffer from tune deafness. It's a related condition to tone deafness, the inability to hold a note. For a small number of those affected with tune deafness, the condition is so bad they have little idea of what music is, finding it indistinguishable from traffic noise!

Now scientists in the United States say they have discovered that people with this condition actually can detect off-key music in their unconscious mind but are not able to process it into consciousness. Researchers say it is all down to the wiring in the brain that we inherit from our parents.

If scientists can work out the complex neural pathways that are responsible for transporting the information around our brains then it might one day be possible to treat the condition.

The scientists stress they see the condition as a means of understanding the conscious and unconscious mind and that finding a cure is a low priority. Anyone interested in music who is suffering from tune deafness should, in the short-term say the doctors, take up a different hobby.

Matt McGrath, BBC science reporter

Listen to the words

off-key
musically not correct

bum notes
wrong musical notes

the inability to hold a note
not being able to sing a particular note accurately even immediately after hearing it

indistinguishable from
no different than, seems the same as

detect
identify

down to
because of

complex neural pathways
complicated connections in the brain

to treat the condition
to use medicine or other therapy to make the problem better

a low priority
not important

take up
begin, start

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