I'm profoundly deaf and I received my CI in April 2000 -- I had obtained it due to my curiousity of sounds. The CI does sound better than hearing aids. Despite that, I can sign ASL and AUSLAN and involved in deaf community events.
I have had mixed feelings about having kids younger than 2 years of age getting CI's. I don't mind if adult deaf individuals decide to get one, they have the power of decision on whether to get it or not. Children often don't have the advantage of speaking their minds on if they wanted one or not.
But I am aware that it's solely the parents' responsiblities on the consquences should their kid turn around at them and be upset on implanting him/her with a CI.
