Cochlear Implants Xavier Castellanos Edu 674

About Cochlear Implants -The implant consists of an external and internal device. The external parts which go around the ear and outside the skin while the internal parts are surgically placed in the user. -The external piece consists of a microphone, speech processor, and transmitter. -The internal piece consists of a receiver, stimulator, and several electrodes wound up inside the cochlea.  Internal Device External Device 

Who does this Support? -Cochlear Implants are for people who are deaf or severely hard of hearing. Someone with minor hearing loss may not need such a device as this since a hearing aid may be enough to suffice. -Someone who has lost their hearing later in life may benefit from this greatly since they were already capable of hearing their whole life. - Someone born deaf whose parents/guardian choose early intervention would also benefit greatly from this device/procedure because they could live a “normal” life and attend general education classes.

Manufacturers There are 3 major manufacturers of Cochlear Implants: Advanced Bionics Corporation, Cochlear Corporation, and Med-El Corporation -All 3 of these companies make implants and have implants systems. Each company has an evaluation process to see if the person is an appropriate candidate, and then discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure.

Cost -Cochlear Implants, the device as well as the medical costs can cost anywhere from $45,000.00-$105,000.00 -Insurance will cover more of this cost now than in the past due to better understanding of the technology and the Americans with Disabilities Act

Testimonials “Before the implant I always had to work really hard to hear. Whether I was in the courtroom or at the dinner table, it was always a lot work for me and I would get really tired. But now with the implant, everyone else normally is tired except me. I have never had that sensation before” “I communicate on the telephone and cell phone with virtually no difficulty. I no longer suffer from feelings of isolation or lack of confidence or independence” “I am excited abut being able to hear again. It will be a great relief to experience a piece of mind and not worry about missing things in conversation”

Recommendation From the view of someone who has been capable of hearing throughout my life, I cannot imagine passing up the opportunity to hear if it were not available to me. I would also think that many would share my opinion that if there were a chance of being able to hear again of for the first time ever, that it would taken. However, it would be a family decision in some cases. A deaf child of deaf parents may not be so enthusiastic about the procedure. This procedure somewhat removes the need to learn sign language outside of home and that can be an important part of deaf culture and within a deaf family. Within the deaf community I can see how this may be a controversial device/procedure. Personally I would imagine this is great, but there are always exceptions.