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So, I can’t see the comment, but I was alerted to it by the writer, who by the way, consulted with me about my experiences as a deaf woman...
Apparently someone said “Ben should have a Cochlear Implant after that accident”
Let me unpack why that is problematic... https://twitter.com/MyJediLife/status/1291535314545238030
Apparently someone said “Ben should have a Cochlear Implant after that accident”
Let me unpack why that is problematic... https://twitter.com/MyJediLife/status/1291535314545238030
First of all, not everyone that is d/Deaf wants to have hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Why?
Because many do not see their hearing loss as a disability!
They can still go about their lives and have ASL and accommodations as needed.
Why?
Because many do not see their hearing loss as a disability!
They can still go about their lives and have ASL and accommodations as needed.
Second, let me explain deaf vs. Deaf. Deaf with a capital D signifies someone who is part of the Deaf community, likely someone who is able to sign and all.
deaf means someone who isn’t really part of the Deaf community, for whatever reason.
deaf means someone who isn’t really part of the Deaf community, for whatever reason.
Third, now, it’s up to d/Deaf individuals whether they want to talk or sign or BOTH (which many do!).
They have that choice now and it’s great! But it wasn’t always a choice! There’s a long and brutal history why that is. Look up audism. Look up AG Bell eugenics.
They have that choice now and it’s great! But it wasn’t always a choice! There’s a long and brutal history why that is. Look up audism. Look up AG Bell eugenics.
Four, so cochlear implants are amazing but it’s often touted as a cure when it’s not. It’s not even perfect.
For those born with hearing loss, it can never regain full hearing capacity.
Those with later hearing loss either like it or complain it doesn’t sound “right.”
For those born with hearing loss, it can never regain full hearing capacity.
Those with later hearing loss either like it or complain it doesn’t sound “right.”
Five, so Deaf people can feel like the push towards CIs is a form of community erasure by pushing oralism over sign (even though nowadays, the Deaf community does include some CI wearers).
Six, so think carefully about the CULTURAL implications of telling a d/Deaf person to get a CI.
Not to mention physical.
Not to mention physical.
Seven, aside from the fact that some may prefer hearing aids or nothing at all or both... CIs require major head surgery.
TW: graphic
They have to cut your scalp, drill a hole in the skull for the magnet/chip, and insert a plastic wire with electrodes into the cochlea.
TW: graphic
They have to cut your scalp, drill a hole in the skull for the magnet/chip, and insert a plastic wire with electrodes into the cochlea.
Eight, that’s not a light matter. And there can be serious side effects.
And sometimes CIs fail. And they come with an increased risk of catching meningitis.
And sometimes CIs fail. And they come with an increased risk of catching meningitis.
Nine, so... a CI is not a solution for everyone and it should always be an individual choice!
By saying someone should get a CI, you ignore their medical and cultural choices.
By saying someone should get a CI, you ignore their medical and cultural choices.
To conclude, a CI can be a wonderful thing, but be careful about how you discuss hearing equipment when it comes to HOH and d/Deaf individuals!
Thanks for reading!
(Feel free to share this with the commenter, @MyJediLife!)
Thanks for reading!
(Feel free to share this with the commenter, @MyJediLife!)
One more thing, the commenter erroneously asserts that D/deaf people can’t lip read?
They can sometimes, if orally taught, it’s just not 100% accurate. Which is why it’s often supplemented by ASL and/or aids and it’s why d/Deaf require accommodation.
They can sometimes, if orally taught, it’s just not 100% accurate. Which is why it’s often supplemented by ASL and/or aids and it’s why d/Deaf require accommodation.
But plenty of orally taught d/Deaf individuals are able to communicate one on one with hearing people. It just requires patience.
