The Parents' Guide to Cochlear Implants

1. Beginning the Process

5 BEGINNING THE PROCESS Beginning the Process Chapter 1 The moment parents begin to consider cochlear implantation for their child, they embark on a journey. The more knowledge parents have,the better they will recognize that this journey does not simply begin and end with surgery. Rather, it consists of several stages, including the periods of initial information gathering, pre-implant evaluation, surgery, immediate post-implantation events, and long-term monitoring. The process itself starts when the parents ask the question: Can our child benefit from a cochlear implant? The answer to the question will vary from family to family. Parents who choose an implant for their child are making a commitment, either fully or partially, to integrate that child into the hearing world. That commitment is the overriding reason that parents select implants. In some cases, the hearing world begins with the family. In other cases, the hearing world lies outside the family door. How parents include a deaf child into the family varies. Hearing parents want to communicate with their deaf children in the language of the immediate and extended family. A cochlear implant can often help achieve this goal. Additionally, access to the larger hearing community is made possible through implant technology, although choosing a cochlear implant does not necessarily imply that a parent refuses to accept the child’s deafness. Parents have a variety of options at their disposal to help a child identify with his or her deaf side. They may choose any number of ways to foster the child’s growth as a deaf individual and as a child with a cochlear implant. 6 CHAPTER 1 Deaf parents of deaf children also want to communicate with their children in the language of the immediate and extended family. When this language is American Sign Language (ASL), a visual language, a cochlear implant is not necessary. If access to the hearing world is valued as a means to more opportunity, then, in some instances,deaf parents may consider a cochlear implant. Regardless of the weight that is placed on connection to the hearing world,a family must make a commitment to support the auditory and speech needs of the child receiving the implant. If this commitment is not made from the beginning, the choice of implantation is doomed. The initial information gathering stage is a critical point for many parents since it will drive the continuation of the entire process . It is important,therefore,that this stage be as comprehensive as possible. This will enable parents to make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue implantation for their child. Information Gathering The more knowledge parents have about cochlear implants, the more power they have in making decisions. In today’s society , knowledge is power. Gaining this knowledge can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Information about cochlear implants is available from so many sources that parents can feel overwhelmed very quickly. Sometimes parents are so confused by all the information that they may stop trying to make sense of it and decide against the technology. Some might simply give up and rely on someone else’s input to make decisions. Should this happen, parents open themselves up to disappointment when they have not participated actively in the process. The amount of information that any one parent requires to make decisions is very individualized. Some parents will seek only a basic understanding about the implant and the process. 7 BEGINNING THE PROCESS Other parents will explore more in-depth information about how the implant works, what the candidacy criteria for implantation are,what the implant will do,and what kind of commitment and support is needed to make the process successful. A large amount of information is available in booklet form published by a variety of sources,including the manufacturers,implant centers,national and international organizations, and parent groups. These materials may include terminology that is new to parents; without additional guidance,parents may misinterpret some information and draw incorrect conclusions about the implant. It is critical,therefore , for parents to supplement their reading by interviewing knowledgeable professionals who are experienced in implantation . As with any other decision parents make for their child, they should never rely on a single source for information. Contacting the Implant Center If a parent decides to continue the process, the next step might be to identify an implant center. Parents may find out about an implant...