Cochlear Implants

Cochlear Implants
Awhile ago, I had a conversation with a friend about...Cochlear Implants. Once upon a time, this is something I truly wanted for myself. Cochlear is not widely embraced by the deaf community. But before you all (deafies) start getting mad at me, or pointing fingers-- this is not something I want now.One would have to put themselves in my shoes to understand my former desires. If a hearing parent with a deaf BABY were to come to me now.

I have no clue truly how I would reply. But I would be honest about how I wanted one when I was a teen. and how I do not want one now and I'm glad I never recieved one. I see, know and understand the pros and cons of cochlear implants and I understand why latened deaf adults want them. We shldnt criticize. Many deaf haven't gotten to experience our way of life.I wasnt always deaf. I was born hearing...my views through the years have changed as I have grown and gained knowledge. When I was 16--I begged my parents for a cochlear. I wanted one so bad. I was seriously afraid of becoming deaf--even though I was attending a deaf school.Not that there was anyting wrong with being deaf--i loved my school, and I loved my friends! But--I relied sooo much on my hearing.You see, At the age of 5- I had to wear hearing aids, because my hearing was slowly going away. When I say slow--I mean extremely gradual.

When I was 16, I was wearing ONE hearing aid in my left ear. I could still talk on the phone, and undersatnd a conversation over the phone. I could hear birds singing, Ic ould hear my mom hollar at me from the next room over, I could sort of follow a conversation if too many people were not talking at once, AND if I knew what the topic of the conversation was. I cried everytime my hearing got worse and worse. How would I be able to live life without being able to hear?

But u know what? Its not so bad at all!I became Miss. Deaf Oklahoma in 1993. I attended college. I had jobs. I have and continue to live a full life. Today, I am happy that my parents couldn't afford the cochlear in the 80s. I'm a very good eligibility for cochlear to be sucessful if i were to accept it now. But you know? I am just fine without it.I consider myself an asset to the deaf community. With or without a cochlear.But let me say this. EVEN if i were to get a cochlear--the deaf community would still be a part of my life. I wouldnt get a cochlear--so I could be "hearing" again. I wouldnt be getting it to leave the deaf world and become a "hearing person". No. Just to hear sounds again, and hear my sons voice again. But thats okay no worries because its not gonna happen :)

As a deaf person without cochlear, I consider myself sucessful. A full time mom, an advocate, a deaf interpreter, a QAST Evaluator for the State of Oklahoma, and much much more.Just for any moms out there reading this--theres nothing wrong with the deaf way of life. :) Even if ur considering cochlear for your child-let them be a part of the deaf community in some way. This could turn out to be a positive experience, for you, and for your child.With much love. :) I'll always be in full SUPPORT of ASL. But if a hearing parent wants to give their child a cochlea implant--we can't stop them---we can embrace their decision--and encourage them to support ASL and be a part of the deaf community somehow.

Now mind you, these are my thoughts and my views. Not everyone shares them. :) Happy reading!