I don't think the dead can hear but I do think they can speak. Doesn't it seem like the gb hears Russell, Rutherford, Knorr, and mad Freddy talking to them from the grave. I think they can hear them saying,
"Keep up the phony bullsh*t religion--it's a great gig. Oh, and sorry guys that we didn't prophecy that the damn internet would ruin our printing empire!"
just saying!