Deaf/Hard of Hearing

In one of my classes we were having the debate about implants. I wanted the opinion of non-hearing people about how they feel about them. I have very mild hearing loss but it doesn't compare to someone who would be considered deaf. We were debating their use in very young children particulary those who don't have knowledge of the deaf culture.

 As someone with complete hearing loos in one ear I can offer up my view. If my audio nerve would not have been severed I would have opted for an implant, so if there is enough for one I'd say I would have opted for one. Second as far as age goes as I said if there is just some change to hear sounds I think any parient would at least try and give a child every chance they have. Mind you not hearing stereo sucks because you cannot focus on any sound only what is the most loud one but in a way I do sense stereo in reflected sound or for that matter even pressure on my body. Implants have come a long wayand the research I know about and have read about the frequency range has been improve as the size of the divices have grown smaller.

As far as culture I read lips and am just now learning to sign and at work and home now after many years people learn to tap my shoulder when they talk if I am not facing them I will look to where ever their voice may be reflected off of and that is a wall to either side or in front of me.