Cochlear Implants Research Paper

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Pages: 8

From a hearing perspective, the answer for deaf and heard of hearing children is almost always cochlear implants (1). Cochlear implants promise the correction of a disability meaning that children wouldn’t have to suffer a life of obstacles in communication, employment or entertainment (1, 2). Despite initial exploration of cochlear implants for their child, in many cases both deaf and hearing parents, ultimately decide against accessing this technology. The numerous medical risks associated with cochlear implantation do not justify the unpredictable outcome of the surgery (3, 4, 5). In addition to immediate medical risk, cochlear implants threaten a child’s sense of belonging and the development of their cultural identity (6, 7, 8). Children …show more content…
Hearing persons generally believe that being deaf is a disability and that hearing is an integral part of living a fulfilled life (22). This prejudice held against deaf persons is referred to as Audism (22). The majority of those who are deaf do not feel as though they are disabled but rather they belong to a unique culture where members are Deaf (23). There is more to being Deaf, with a capital “D”, than just being biologically deaf, with a lowercase “d” (8, 21). Being a member of the Deaf community involves acceptance of Deaf cultural beliefs and values, cultural pride in being Deaf as well as the use of American Sign Language (ASL) in the United States (24, 25). Children with cochlear implants often have problems developing a sense of belonging as a result of cultural and societal expectations (10, 26). Mainstreaming children with cochlear implants is strongly suggested by health professionals in order for children to be fully immersed in a hearing world (8, 14). Children mainstreamed after cochlear implantation are often discouraged from ever learning or continuing to sign in ASL (27). Without knowledge of ASL, most these children, although born deaf—face the reality of cultural rejection by the Deaf community (6). Mainstreamed children with cochlear implants often feel rejected by the hearing community as well (6). These children bear a visible distinction between themselves and their hearing counterparts—the presence of the cochlear implant. The physical difference, as well as troubles with speech and the need of special services in a hearing classroom, set a child with a cochlear implant apart for their hearing counterparts (6). Cultural importance should not be overlooked when making a life changing decision such as choosing a cochlear implant for a child (1, 2). The culture and