I came across a videoblog today...

that is titled Cochlear Implant the Only Option | Seek Geo’s ASL Vlog/Blog

He said that doctor give "only option" after finding out a child is deaf... I know that's not true at all... right?

I would like to ask you all parents of kids who are implanted to go over to his blog and comment on WHAT OPTIONS your Doctor gave you after learning the result that your child was deaf.

why should we forget about freedom? the best for them what they want? difficult choice between babies and parent to decide. Doctor has power to tell them to have CI, hearing aids, or wait? What if I have deaf baby? Deaf baby grows to make her or his own decision. I dont want to argue about. CI is good choice for education, but deaf people are smart too. I bet parent are afraid of learning sign langauge that means parent is not normal?

Boult said:

that is titled Cochlear Implant the Only Option | Seek Geo’s ASL Vlog/Blog

He said that doctor give "only option" after finding out a child is deaf... I know that's not true at all... right?

I would like to ask you all parents of kids who are implanted to go over to his blog and comment on WHAT OPTIONS your Doctor gave you after learning the result that your child was deaf.

Click to expand...

I was upset at some of the comments on that blog since I am a proud bilateral CI user. I understand about babies. I have not made my decision. I am reading everything I can. I just feel this division between the Deaf community is tearing us apart. There needs to be a middle ground or we as a community will destroy all the wonderful parts of it.

I hate it when doctors or audiologists tell you that your only option is to get cochlear implants. It's like they're trying to advertise implants or are looking for more money. There are other alternatives to cochlear implants. You can either choose regular hearing aids or live a life without hearing aids. It's your choice.

If the quote "only option" is being misinterpreted, it could be that the doctor was saying that hearing aids won't work because your hearing loss is too severe and the only device that would help were cochlear implants... then that's understandable and the choice would actually be... "You can get a cochlear implant or just not wear a hearing aid."

or grow up deaf and loving it? ha.. many of us who grew up with ci .. we all function without one? we are fine?

Oh man, some of the comments people posted really upsetted me. Like this one:

Deaf adults who have CI are very dangerous people! They spread out myths to hearing parents that it is absolutely okay for parents to insert box in babies ears. Deaf adults should refrain from having CI until law says Deaf babies are REQUIRED to learn ASL for communication and learning. Shame on those Deaf adults with CI. They have blood on their hands!!!


[sorry if I wasn't allowed to do that, I didn't include the name/login or the date, just that one comment.] That's the comment that really bothers me! :/

I have blood on my hands? WTH does that mean?! Anyone know?

Yeah, I guess some people get caught up with the group hysteria and make silly remarks like that. A bit like the Ricki Lake show.