How does the deaf community feel about the Cochlear implant?

3 ANSWERS

1. 
   

   I'm not Deaf myself, but attitudes differ based on the individual. I have met people who think its a miracle and I've meet people who would destory the technology if given the chance. Again, like attitudes on anything you can't really say that a particular group of people 99% of the time will go this way.

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2. 
   

   Generally, members of teh Deaf Culture-do not like them-
   
   others who are deaf but not part of the Culture are more open to them

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3. 
   

   Firstly, not all deafened people consider themselves part of the Deaf Community. It depends on personal preference, time of onset, type of education, family, etc... Also, not all members of the Deaf Community are profoundly deaf. The community aspect refers to their culture...their shared language, similar hardships, similar values, etc. They embrace their deafness, and rejoice over the birth of Deaf offspring. They do not consider being deaf a disibility.
   
   That being said...The Deaf community does not like Cochlear Implants. They feel that it is society's way of "fixing deafness." If people keep trying to find a "cure" for deafness, then there won't be a culture left. They also feel that hearing parents of deaf children are not informed enough to make the implant decision for their child. They are, often, not given all the facts. An implant does not allow an individual to hear sound like hearing people...it is a mechanical sound that they must learn how to process with intensive training. On top of that the child must go through rigorous speech therapy. And, for some children, the implant is unsuccessful.
   
   Disclaimer: this doesn't necessarily reflect my opinion, and I was focusing on the Community's opinion of implants in children when the parent makes the decision, not on the decision of Deaf individuals.

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