Pros And Cons Of Cochlear Implants

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Many individuals have different views surrounding cochlear implants. Most of the Deaf community tends to be against them whereas most of the hearing community tends to be in favor of them. It is important to understand not only want a cochlear implant is, but how the different communities view the implants so that we can gain a better understanding of Deaf culture. Cochlear implants are electronic devices that sends signals directly to the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants consist of external parts which include the microphone, speech processor, and the transmitter. They also consist of internal parts that must be surgically placed under the skin including the receiver and electrical array. In order for the implant to work, the microphone …show more content…

According to the Baylor College of Medicine (n.d.), Cochlear implantation can cause many adverse effects including bleeding, device malformation, facial nerve weakness, ringing in the ear, dizziness, and infection. One particular infection that can result from cochlear implants is meningitis. Since the implant runs between the middle and inner ear, bacteria that exists in the middle ear can travel to the inner ear which is usually sterile. This can cause an infection in the audotroy nerve which travels to the brain, resulting in meningitis (Baylor College of Medicine, n.d.). Another disadvantage of cochlear implants is the cost. The American Academy of Otolaryngology (2015) suggests that the implants can cost as much as $100,000 including the evaluation, surgery, device, and rehabilitation. This makes it almost impossible for the middle class family to afford the …show more content…

Many hearing people do not take the time to listen to the Deaf community as they just assume that they are being “selfish” as they do not want to change. The Deaf community does not want the hearing community to change them. If we try to change the Deaf community, we are trying to change their language and culture. The Deaf community relies on American Sign Language just as many of us rely on English. We would not want anyone to try to convince us to change our language just so we can communicate with the general population. Being deaf is not a disability, but rather a culture that most of the hearing community is going to have to

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