Carrie Tynan

I first heard about cochlear Implants at a chat at Hearing Exchange.com and deaf chat at About.com.

I was intrigued by this new invention to help people hear. I asked questions, listen to peoples experiences and did my own research. I was also surprised to learn how controversial this issue is. I decided to investigate both sides. I have been wearing hearing aides since age three and was raised orally. My experience was very positive and they helped me stay connected to the world and reach my expectations.

Like hearing aides cochlear implants were developed to help people hear better and communicate with the world. Many people don't care for these implants because they think the device will change the person. I feel they enhance people lives like contacts, artificial limbs and hearing devises. It should be an individual decision based on their research and goals. More importantly their choices should be respected because every ones circumstances is different.

In order to be eligible for a cochlear implant you must have severely to profound hearing loss in both ears and receive no benefits from hearing aides. After being approved surgery is done a two to three hour process implanting a small device called the receiver behind the ear. A month after the surgery activation takes place with the help of a head piece and speech processor. Sound waves enter a microphone on the headpiece then continue to the speech processor where it is converted to sound interpreted by the implanted receiver. Speech pathologist helps people knew to cochlear implants understand the sounds, improve speech and lip-read. Also the audiologist programs the speech processor to meet the individuals needs.

The benefits are amazing, helping people communicate orally with people.

I greatly admire the people I have met who attempt this procedure for their courage and determination in making their lives better.