Bonnie Bell

Abstract

As technology keeps advancing, more and more young deaf children will be given a cochlear implant. Yet, how will this decision influence their future lives? This research project focused on the perceptions that cochlear implant users, deaf professors, and future teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing have of the cochlear implant, for their reactions or opinions could influence the user’s potential benefit from the device. Its purpose was to provide some insights into what perceptions future generations of cochlear implant users may encounter through the use of questionnaires that consist of demographic and open-ended questions. One of the major findings was that less than 1% of Non-CI users perceived the cochlear implant to be a threat to Deaf culture, while over half of all the respondents considered it to be a tool with which to gain wider opportunity. An additional finding was that deaf people were not seeking out and being given the device to be "normal". Finally, responses from the deaf and hearing communities indicated that there was strong support for CI candidates.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Cochlear implants--Psychological aspects; Cochlear implants--Social aspects

Publication Date

8-31-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Master of Science of Secondary Education of Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (NTID)

Advisor

DeFilippo, Carol

Advisor/Committee Member

Bateman, Gerald

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: RF305 .B45 2005

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Download

Share

COinS