Interview. Cherbourg: at La Cité de la Mer, a “golden ear” testifies to its profession

The main master Erwan, golden ear, came this Thursday April 18, 2024 at La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg (Manche) to bear witness to its job with Vincent Magnan, director of CIRA (Acoustic Interpretation and Reconnaissance Center of the French Navy).

What exactly is a golden ear?

MP Erwan: A golden ear is someone who is there to detect, classify, all the phenomena that sonar operators cannot determine. Around us, there are several types of sounds, biological noises (animals), those linked to human activity (engines, propellers), natural phenomena too, such as rain, storms, and even surf. Of course, our main branch is military activity…

CF Vincent Magnan: The analyst is the one who will advise the commander of the submarine in terms of sound classification and acoustic discretion. Its information is therefore truly decisive and crucial, even vital for the mission. There is an incredible relationship of trust that develops between the two, in the event of a threat detected by the golden ear in particular.

How long does it take to train?

MP Ewan: I would first point out that I joined the Navy in 2008 and that at the time there was less public enthusiasm for this profession, which I myself did not know well. There are of course several stages to go through, that of listener, then classifier, up to the one-year training at CIRA, in Toulon. But it’s really the experience over the years that allows you to perform well.

CF Vincent Magnan: Overall, between the moment when the young person enters the Navy and the moment when he obtains his golden ear sesame, five to seven years pass depending on the profiles and recruitment levels.

Are there any specific qualities required? Is it necessary to have perfect pitch?

MP Erwan (smile): This is a really recurring question to which I would answer no! It is more about auditory memory, learning on very precise bases.

CF Vincent Magnan: There are lots of important qualities in the golden ear. Their physical abilities, as with all submariners, are tested every year, they also undergo hearing tests, but this does not correspond to absolute pitch. I would like to point out at this point that currently our youngest golden ear is 26 years old while our oldest analyst is 52 years old, and he is as passionate as ever.

“The Song of the Wolf has indeed largely demystified the profession of golden ear”

Should an analyst “preserve” his ears?

MP Ewan: Let’s just say I don’t go to rock concerts every week! That said, I have a normal life and I don’t stop myself, if I want, from going to a concert or a football match from time to time.

Are there, or will there be, women with golden ears?

CP Vincent Magnan: In 2024, we will have three female crews. We hope to have the first women certified analysts in 2025/26.

Has the film Song of the Wolf changed the image of the profession?

MP Erwan: This allowed us to be more visible. It must be recognized that there are extremely specific scenes.

CF Vincent Magnan: This film, released in 2019, has indeed largely demystified the profession of golden ear. We’re going to start reaching the first generation of submariners who want to be golden ears through this film. We train four to eight per year.

Erwan, is there a particular sound that you prefer?

MP Erwan: I think it’s that of the orca, it’s super beautiful to listen to. On the other hand, there are some sounds that are a little annoying. Sperm whales are very repetitive. And dolphins are very talkative! I would add that I really like this job, it’s very rewarding, I can travel almost everywhere, to all the seas around the world.

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