Lecture on Cochlear Implants and Deaf Culture

Introduction to Sound and Cochlear Implants

• Sounds are present everywhere (e.g., opening doors, knocking, ringing doorbells).
• Cochlear implants can allow deaf individuals to hear and potentially use telephones.

Personal Experiences with Deafness

• Speaker was the oldest deaf child and embraced their deaf identity.
• Speaker is happy being deaf as it provides a peaceful existence.

Family Dynamics

• All three children of the speaker were born deaf.
• Oldest child, Heather, expressed interest in a cochlear implant, causing mixed feelings.
• The speaker felt that Heather's desire for an implant was a rejection of their deaf culture.

Motivation for Cochlear Implant

• Heather, at five years old, wants to communicate with hearing people.
• The speaker understands Heather’s motivation but wants her to be happy as she is.

Family Reactions to Deafness

• Speaker's brother and wife were devastated when one of their twins was diagnosed as deaf.
• Speaker's family has a mix of reactions to deafness and implants.

Cochlear Implant Procedure and Effects

• Cochlear implant surgery involves inserting an electrode into the cochlea.
• Implants can restore a level of hearing in profoundly deaf children.
• Early implantation (as young as 18 months) can result in better language development.

Classroom Observations

• Children with cochlear implants can integrate into regular schooling environments.
• Concerns about cochlear implant surgery being invasive.

Deaf Culture vs. Hearing World

• Fear that cochlear implants create a divide between deaf and hearing worlds.
• Sign language as a natural form of communication for deaf individuals.

Family Decisions on Implants

• Speaker's personal resistance to implants due to fear of cultural identity loss.
• Heather's ongoing desire for an implant due to communication challenges with hearing peers.

Interactions with Other Families

• Visits to families with children who have cochlear implants.
• Different families have varied acceptance and integration of implants into their lives.

Cultural and Emotional Considerations

• Emotional impact on families making choices about implants.
• Some view implants as a threat to Deaf culture.

Conclusion

• Speaker’s family ultimately decides against cochlear implants for their children.
• The decision is guided by a desire to embrace and support Deaf culture.
• Speaker and family relocate to a community that supports Deaf culture more fully.

Reflections on Identity and Decision Making

• Decision against implants is based on cultural identity and personal experiences.
• Recognition of the complex emotions and societal pressures involved in these decisions.

These notes capture the key themes and personal narratives presented in the lecture concerning cochlear implants, deaf culture, and family dynamics.