Dispelling the sentimental myths of sound
Joseph Rainmound, a deaf blogger, has a few choice words to say about the less than ethical marketing of hearing aids (HAs) and cochlear implants (CIs).
My own take on it is, those who opt for CIs - an irreversible process - should go into it with eyes and mind open. If children are involved, all the more so should parents be aware of the pros and cons of CIs. All too often, only the potential benefits are highlighted and the possible pitfalls glossed over, and which results is a deaf child with a useless (and extremely expensive) CI.
I’ve often reflected that I’m disturbed by certain techniques used by people who sell hearing aids and cochlear implants. One specific technique is to invoke sentimentality, the extreme sort. "Get this device and you’ll hear your baby’s first word!" "Get this device and you’ll be able to talk to your family!" "Music," people say, rapturously, eyes rolling to the ceilings as they clutch iPods with sweaty hands.
