"Complete silence is very addictive," says Rebecca Knill, a writer who has cochlear implants that enable her to hear. In this funny, insightful talk, she explores the evolution of assistive listening technology, the outdated way people still respond to deafness and how we can shift our cultural understanding of ability to build a more inclusive world. "Technology has come so far," Knill says. "Our mindset just needs to catch up."

Rebecca Knill: How technology has changed what it's like to be deaf

How technology has changed what it's like to be deaf

Writer, business systems consultant manager

By 2050, hearing loss is expected to affect 900 million people, or one in 10, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive technologies.

Cochlear implants, transforming 16 electrodes into a universe of sounds, exemplify the leap in assistive listening technologies.

The evolution of subtitles from 'for the hearing impaired' to a language choice for all, reflects a shift towards a more inclusive world.