Cochlear Implants
The issue
Cochlear implant surgery on deaf infants and children is now widespread in Canada.
CAD's position
Cochlear implants do not lessen the need to provide every deaf child with the full range of options — including Sign language — for acquiring linguistic competence.
The Canadian Association of the Deaf is not concerned with decisions made by autonomous deaf adults to have cochlear implant surgery; we recognize that the implants may be of assistance to some adults, particularly those who have been deafened later in life. Instead, we focus on the success rates and ethical dimensions of cochlear implants in young deaf children.
Since our first position paper was issued in 1994, empirical research has still not provided conclusive evidence for the efficacy of cochlear implants in supporting first-language acquisition in deaf children. Rigorously designed studies in this area are lacking, and the process of selecting participants for existing studies is questionable. In addition, current auditory-verbal research lacks measures of how deaf children with cochlear implants function across multiple domains, including social and emotional development.
The difficulties faced by deaf and hard of hearing children in developing linguistic and social competence when exposed only to spoken language is well-documented. The language learning situation faced by a young deaf child is completely different from that of a deaf, hard of hearing or deafened adult who has already acquired language.
For these reasons, the Canadian Association of the Deaf strongly asserts the right of all deaf children to acquire Sign language from infancy onward. The argument commonly made by proponents of auditory-verbal therapy and cochlear implants, that learning Sign language inhibits hearing and speech development in deaf children, is contrary to everything that is known about language acquisition and bilingual development. In addition, the presentation of Sign language and cochlear implants as being in opposition to each other by medical, audiological, and education professionals is a disservice to deaf children and their families. Children with cochlear implants, like other deaf children, will benefit from learning Sign language in early childhood.
We advocate for the right of all deaf children with and without cochlear implants to grow up bilingual and bicultural. Access to Sign language and the Deaf community provides the child with opportunities for his or her optimum development and participation in education, recreation and social and family life. To support deaf children’s access to Sign language, we call for the full involvement of Sign-fluent Deaf professionals in early intervention and education services provided to families of deaf children.
In addition, the Canadian Association of the Deaf calls for greater scrutiny of the financial profits and marketing schemes of cochlear implant corporations in Canada. The relation-ship between these corporations, provincial health ministries, children’s hospitals, and auditory-verbal therapy organizations remains shrouded. It is in the public interest for full transparency to be exercised in all dealings by these parties. The deaths and injuries of some deaf children who have undergone cochlear implant surgery are a reminder of the real and serious risks involved.
Deaf children with cochlear implants are an important part of
the Deaf community. Regardless of individual background and choices, every
Deaf person’s participation strengthens and enriches the Deaf community.
The Canadian Association of the Deaf continues to advocate for the language
and education rights of deaf children, including those with cochlear implants.
APPROVED: 26 MAY 2007
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The Canadian Association of the Deaf
203 - 251 Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 1X3
(613)565-8882 TTY
(613)565-2882 Voice
(613)565-1207 Fax
www.cad.ca
