Chapter 41

        While reading this section, it was extremely interesting to learn more about the pros and cons of hearing aids.  Everyone (including myself), tend to just assume that adding hearing aids can do nothing but benefit a person.  However, I am glad that this chapter was able to further explain that "a hearing aid is not a miracle machine" (pg 257).  Hearing aids are not a cure-all and it's hard to remember that even though they can help some people, it is only a distraction for others.  Hearing aids can only amplify sounds and does not have the capability to pin point specific conversations or voices.  

        After reading this chapter, I further understand why there is such a negative view towards audiologists and the hearing-aid industry.  All deaf people have the personal choice on whether or not they want to wear the hearing-aids.  However, "the hearing-aid industry prefers to see deaf people in terms of audiological deficit and social debility, as potential consumers of their expensive circuitry, not as members of a cultural-linguistic minority" (pg 259).  I believe that this factor could also influence whether or not deaf people decide to use the devices.  

        Another device that has the ability to help deaf people hear is the controversial cochlear-implant.  The cochlear implant is an electronic device that is surgically implanted into the bone located behind the ear.  A portion of the device is placed within the inner ear to act as an artificial cochlea in attempt to transmit sound from the ear to the brain.  I think this device is so fascinating because it is so different from hearing aids.  Rather than just amplifying sounds, its goal is to send the sounds to be interpreted and understood in the auditory portion of the brain.  This devices requires major surgery and I can honestly understand why the Deaf community does not want to be forced to have this permanent device.  I think its crazy that the industries are targeting parents of deaf children, "touting the benefits of implants" (pg 261) and trying to make deafness obsolete.  No one should be forced into such a life-altering situation and no one should have to give up their original culture if they don't want to.  I think that getting the implant is completely up to the individual and it was relieving to learn in this chapter that the Deaf community is not against people getting the implant voluntarily.