The controversy

There are many issues involved with the implants and deaf culture. Evidence of issues such as “fixing” deaf children, giving a false sense of hope, and forcing a choice of culture.

Some people in the Deaf community feel that those that get the surgery are embarrassed or ashamed of being Deaf.

They feel that these people are implying that there is something wrong with them and that they need to be fixed.

Getting cochlea implant might take away from Deaf culture

The cochlear implant is often forced upon a deaf child by hearing parents.

hearing parents who are not educated in Deaf Culture my think this is a way to "FIX" their Deaf child, they might see it as a way to help them

Some dont know any other options for their Deaf child

Parents are making the decision for their child with out the consent of the child due to age

Some hearing people believe this is used to help the Deaf person live a better life

Deaf people believe that deafness is not a handicap, but a culture. Attempts at “fixing” the deaf are seen as offensive and are met with protests. Children should not be “fixed” to be like hearing people, but should be introduced to deaf culture where he or she was born to belong.

People should have the right to choose which culture they will belong to. The implants cannot be removed and therefore one culture is chosen for a child–one path. They have no choice but to be fixed and shoved into hearing culture while their parents have a hope of success that may never come true.