Abstract
A major source of controversy between Deaf people and those who support a "social/cultural" view of Deafness as "a life to be lived" and those who see deafness within a "medical model" as a "condition to be cured" has been over the cochlear implantation of young deaf children. Recent research has shown that there are noticeable inequities in access to such procedures in western countries; inequities that give rise to the need for informed public policy discussions. It has also found that parents of newly diagnosed deaf children are not provided with access to all the possibilities for their children-including that of a "Deaf life." How this information can be provided to parents and the public via widespread discussions in the media and elsewhere and involving Deaf people in the implantation counseling process is an issue that needs to be addressed by those responsible for implantation programs.
Highlights
A major source of controversy between Deaf people and those who support a ‘‘social/cultural’’ view of Deafness as ‘‘a life to be lived’’ and those who see deafness within a ‘‘medical model’’ as a ‘‘condition to be cured’’ has been over the cochlear implantation of young deaf children
It has found that parents of newly diagnosed deaf children are not provided with access to all the possibilities for their children—including that of a ‘‘Deaf life.’’ How this information can be provided to parents and the public via widespread discussions in the media and elsewhere and involving Deaf people in the implantation counseling process is an issue that needs to be addressed by those responsible for implantation programs
In the remainder of this article, we review a number of ethical issues that are raised in the context of these opposing views and information available to parents via cochlear implant advocates and press stories of ‘‘miracle cures’’ and the like
Summary
A major source of controversy between Deaf people and those who support a ‘‘social/cultural’’ view of Deafness as ‘‘a life to be lived’’ and those who see deafness within a ‘‘medical model’’ as a ‘‘condition to be cured’’ has been over the cochlear implantation of young deaf children. Recent research has shown that there are noticeable inequities in access to such procedures in western countries; inequities that give rise to the need for informed public policy discussions. It has found that parents of newly diagnosed deaf children are not provided with access to all the possibilities for their children—including that of a ‘‘Deaf life.’’ How this information can be provided to parents and the public via widespread discussions in the media and elsewhere and involving Deaf people in the implantation counseling process is an issue that needs to be addressed by those responsible for implantation programs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
