Cochlear Implants in Children: Ethics and Choices - Hardcover

Christiansen, John B.; Leigh, Irene W.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1563681161 ISBN 13: 9781563681165

Publisher: Gallaudet University Press, 2002

Synopsis

To research the sensitive issues connected with cochlear implants, the authors reviewed 439 surveys of parents with children who have had the procedure. 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 study. Cochlear Implants begins by explaining how implants convert sound into electric impulses that stimulate the brain. The second section details 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 center. They also detail their children's experiences 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 provides recommendations for parents and professionals that complete it as the essential book on this burgeoning technology.

About this title

About the Author:

John B. Christiansen is Professor of Sociology at Gallaudet University. Irene W. Leigh is Professor of Psychology at Gallaudet University.

Review:

Christiansen and Leigh (both of whom are themselves Deaf) finally bring a voice of reason to a very emotional issue. 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 participants. 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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Gallaudet University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1563681161
• ISBN 13: 9781563681165
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 340