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The deaf tend to wear them through their day in the hearing world, because it does help them. This by no means 'fixes' the deafness, nor is it a cure. It's merely a device that does indeed help amplify the hearing that the child has left.

~Cochlear Implant~
The Cochlear Implant, is as the name states an actual implant behind the ear. The reason that a deaf person cannot hear is that the 30,000 or so microscopic hair cells in the cochlea are missing, damaged, or ineffective. What the implant does, is replaces these tiny hair cells with 22 to 24 microbes that will allow the deaf person to 'hear'. The younger this is done the better, in allowing the child a basis for sound. This is by no means a cure for the deaf. Certainly not, there is no cure, and if you as a deaf person they do not want a cure. But the cochlear implant does allow a more full range of sound than a hearing aid. Because of the way the implant is done. The implant consists of two main parts. One, is inside the flesh and connected to the cochlea inside with the microbes. The other is a receiver piece, that is placed on the back of the head, via a magnet. These two piece when attached to each other, are what gives 'hearing' to the deaf. However, the residual hearing, what the child was born with, is gone. The moment you remove the outer piece, it is complete and total silence.

There are downfalls to both of these as well as benefits. Many deaf believe that children should be using a hearing aid until they can make the decision for themselves. Many parents believe that it's their right to chose what they think is best for the child. There are many debates on if the cochlear implant is really better. If it is really that much more beneficial and what the long term effects might be.

Decisions:
Schooling:

Residentia l Schools
This is where the deaf actually live on site. Like a boarding school. The Schools of and for the deaf are ones that cater to them specifically. Teachers use sign language, there is a full staff of people at these schools that are mentors to your children showing them what a deaf person can accomplish even in a hearing dominant world. The great thing about a residential school is the fact that the students are deaf and so is much of the faculty. Enabling the child to grow up in the deaf culture. Making friends, having their own little world that they can understand and easily interact with. The children live in dorms and grow up there, coming home for vacations and the like to see their families.

Mainstreaming:
Mainstr eaming is placing your deaf child within a normal public school. The main downfall with this is, deaf children are usually labeled as 'special ed' because they need assistance. Most often an interpreter or aid to help them through the classes. The state requires the schools to provide this assistance, your child, even in public schools will receive the benefits that it needs to get a proper education. The deaf child will make hearing friends and grow up close to home, coming home every evening with homework just like any other child. With the technology and awareness of the deaf escalating every day, this is not a detrimental option.

Learn more about this author, Christi Alley.
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