Cochlear Implants in Children: Ethics and Choices

Cochlear Implants in Children: Ethics and Choices addresses the ongoing controversy about implanting cochlear hearing devices in children as young as 12 months old and in some cases, younger. Authors John B. Christiansen and Irene W. Leigh and contributors Jay Lucker and Patricia Elizabeth Spencer analyzed the sensitive issues connected with the procedure by reviewing 439 responses to a survey of parents with children who have cochlear implants. They followed up with interviews of the parents of children who have had a year's experience using their implants, and also the children themselves. Their findings shape the core of this useful and telling study. Cochlear Implants begins with a history of their development and an explanation of how implants convert sound into electric impulses that stimulate the brain. The second section focuses on pediatric implants, starting with the ways parents coped with the discovery that their child was deaf. Parents share how they learned about cochlear implants and how they chose an implant centre. They also detail their children's experiences with the implants after surgery, and their progress with language acquisition and in school. The final part treats the controversy associated with cochlear implants, particularly the reaction of the Deaf community and the ethics of implanting young children without their consent. Cochlear Implants concludes with sage observations and recommendations for parents and professionals that complete it as the essential book on the pros and cons of this burgeoning technology.

About the Author :
John B. Christiansen is Professor of Sociology at Gallaudet University. Irene W. Leigh is Professor of Psychology at Gallaudet University.

Review :
"A nice balance between the reporting of original research and a most readable set of conclusions and future directions. I highly recommend this book for teachers, parents, and others."--Merv Hyde, Griffith University "Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education" "Christiansen and Leigh (both of whom are themselves Deaf) finally bring a voice of reason to a very emotional issue. One of their stated goals is to overcome the 'either-or' thinking that has characterized the debate over pediatric cochlear implantation, with the medical establishment and the media touting it as little short of a miracle, and the Deaf community likening it to cultural genocide. They succeed admirably. This is by far the most fair, lucid discussion of pediatric cochlear implantation to date . . . The book provides a wonderful balance of factual research data and quoted comments from the participants. It captures the highly emotional nature of the families' decisions while providing clear medical information regarding the procedure. This is an invaluable asset for families researching options for their deaf children and should be required reading for professionals assisting them in their decision." --A. G. Sidone, Pennsylvania State University "CHOICE"