jusquademain:

Warning, unpopular opinion post. 

i really dislike those videos floating around on the internet about kids getting cochlear implants, and then hearing sound for the first time. 

i’m way too tired to get into it, but it’s really annoying to see them, because a lot of the people who post or reblog these things don’t know anything about deaf culture, or how controversial CIs are in the deaf community. they’re just like OMG THIS IS SO GREAT GUYS LOOK NOW THEY WONT BE DISABLED ANYMORE. I don’t think being Deaf (or HoH) is really a disability or a handicap. They don’t think so either.

Even as a speech and hearing science major, I’m kind of opposed to them. Deaf culture is unique, ASL is beautiful, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being deaf (big D or little d). CIs only give you artificial sound, and just because you get one doesn’t automatically mean you can hear. Being able to distinguish sounds takes work. Also, having learned about the anatomy and the procedure, I don’t think I could put my child through that. I’d rather they grow up in the Deaf community than have to deal with the cultural identity crisis that comes with implantation. Yes, I’d love to make my child’s life easier, and yes i know that early implantation leads to better results. But I’d rather let my child be who they are and let them decide, instead of imposing my idea about who they should be.

It may be unpopular but it’s important and very relevant.