An implant for people who suffer from severe hearing loss, the cochlear implant brings them a sense of sound. The device does not eliminate deafness, however.
Advantages:
- Brings a sense of sound to those have/had severe hearing loss
- It benefits the hearing impaired who can not benefit from a hearing aid
- Its once controversial status has subsided in the deaf community
- The cost of the surgery could possible be covered by insurance
- There is a wealth of research information available
Disadvantages:
- The cost of the operation is high: $40,000-60,000
- The decision to get the implant is non-reversible, you can no longer benefit from a hearing aid after implantation
- It has been noted that meningitis has occurred in children after surgery
- Results of the implantation vary greatly: some can talk on the phone and some still need verbal cues, therefore before surgery it is difficult to project results
- Added costs for batteries and extra time after the surgery for auditive therapy can accumulate quickly
- Concerns today in the deaf community include people making uninformed decisions, especially parents about children
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