Discuss the controversy surrounding cochlear implants

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Saint Louis Community College *

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2900

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Medicine

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by GeneralCheetahMaster781

Discuss the controversy surrounding cochlear implants. One of the primary controversies surrounding cochlear implants centers on the perceived threat they pose to deaf culture. Deaf culture is distinguished by a shared language, such as American Sign Language (ASL) or other sign languages depending on the country or region, and a close-knit community. The concern is that promoting cochlear implants may be seen as a form of "fixing" or "curing" deafness, implying that being deaf is a problem to be solved rather than a valid way of being. An insightful statement found in our text by Harlan Lane highlights the moral implications of cochlear implants. Lane's remarks speak to the larger concern about the use of scientific methods to change a child's biology in order to force them to adopt the majority identity rather than embrace their minority one. His words raise more serious concerns about society's responsibilities when it comes to adopting biological engineering, even when the goal is to lessen the difficulties a child may have as a member of a minority group. He states, “Even if we could take children destined to be members of the African American, or Hispanic American, or Native American, or Deaf American communities and convert them with bio-power into white, Caucasian, hearing males—even if we could, we should not. We should likewise refuse cochlear implants for young deaf children even if the devices were perfect.” (p. 258) The controversy surrounding cochlear implants is multifaceted, encompassing issues of culture, identity, and ethics. It is so important to handle these discussions with sensitivity, recognizing the diversity of perspectives within the deaf community and considering the individual needs and choices of those affected by hearing loss. Educators use a definition of hearing loss that focuses on how much the loss affects the individual's ability to speak and develop language. Discuss why this kind of information would be more helpful to educators than identifying the degree of hearing loss. Educators often use a definition of hearing loss that considers its impact on an individual's ability to speak and develop language rather than solely focusing on the degree of hearing loss. This approach is rooted in the understanding that the effects of hearing impairment go beyond a quantitative measurement and consider broader aspects of communication and learning. By focusing on the language and communication impacts, an educator can assess the practical challenges a student with hearing impairment may face in the classroom. This awareness becomes particularly valuable when crafting Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students who may require specialized educational services. By recognizing the specific

linguistic needs of students with hearing impairment, educators can collaborate with parents, support staff, and specialists to implement targeted interventions. Essentially, the emphasis on language and communication impacts enables educators to address the multifaceted challenges that students with hearing impairment may face, ensuring a tailored approach to each student's education.

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