What is the “deaf debate” with cochlear implants? Why can they be seen as controversial? This is one of the best pieces we’ve read on the topic, to date.
Read: The Deaf Culture versus Oral-Only Debate
Many people are curious about this debate, as a result of the Happy New Ear campaign which is seeking bilateral (two-ear) cochlear implants for babies and children in Ireland, who are suitable to have both ears implanted.
Read: Concern over backlog for cochlear implants
Research studies from different countries show bilateral implants give more benefits to child wearers, than when a unilateral (one-ear) implant is worn.
Speech perception and sound-source localisation are the two key benefits of having bilateral implants, according to a 2010 thesis by Rosemary Lovett:
The UK’s National Paediatric Bilateral Cochlear Implant Audit (April 2013) shows children with bilateral implants to significantly outperform children with unilateral implants, in the months and years after surgery:
PDF: National Pediatriac Bilateral Cochlear Implant Audit
Informed choice is the mantra for today’s parents, remembering 90% of children with hearing issues are born into families who use spoken language.
More Reading
- ‘Happy New Ear’ To The HSE, From A Parent Group
- Deaf Children ‘Can Learn Their Family Language’
- Early Implants Best For Baby’s Language Progress
- Bilateral Cochlear Implants: Hearing With Two Ears
- Bilateral Implant Wait List Concerns Irish Parents
- Families To Write To Health Minister On Implants
