Cochlear Cyborgs : Human Issues with Cochlear Implants

Some deaf way wish to revolt against the hearing world and defend the autonomy of deaf culture. But not everyone has the luxury to revolt. For the unwilling deaf, there are now cochlear implants.

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Posted by William White  on  03/27  at  05:19 PM

My questions: Once I have had the implant installed, and it fails to do me any good, and I remove it (is that a surgical procedure?) will the hearing that I had before the implant be affected?
If the removal is a surgical procedure, will there be a large charge?
Need I remove the connections before I go to bed?

Thank you. William White

Posted by Megan  on  11/12  at  12:09 AM

William,
When surgically implanted, a cochlear implant destroys any residual hearing you may have had before implantation. The people who are candidates for cochlear implants have a profound sensorineural hearing loss, and technically have none, if any, residual hearing prior to implantation.
If you decide the cochlear implant is not for you after surgery, all you do is not wear the external component of the implant, which is the microphone and processor unit. You can have the internal portion of the implant removed, but this rarely occurs, and only will happen if the internal portion malfunctions or needs to be replaced (also very rare).
And yes, you will have to remove the external component of the implant before you go to bed or participate in any activities that involve water (swimming, showering, etc.).
If you make an appointment with an Audiologist, they can go over all of the details about cochlear implants with you and can see if you are a good match for an implant.
Best of luck!

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