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Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
Histories of cochlear implantation
1Department of Science and Technology Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. blume@chem.uva.nl
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|September 29, 1999
Summary
Cochlear implants offer hearing to some deaf individuals but face rejection from deaf communities, who view them as tools of oppression rather than medical progress. This conflict highlights unequal power dynamics in policy-making.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Sociology of Medicine
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Cochlear implantation has advanced significantly since the 1980s, offering a technological solution for profound deafness.
- The media frequently portrays cochlear implants as a triumph of modern medical technology.
- Deaf communities in France and The Netherlands, among others, have actively opposed this technology.
Observation:
- Deaf communities perceive cochlear implants not as medical advancements, but as instruments linked to historical oppression.
- Protests have specifically targeted the use of cochlear implants in deaf children.
- The differing historical narratives surrounding cochlear implants influence policy debates.
Findings:
- A significant divergence exists between the medical-technological framing and the socio-historical framing of cochlear implants.
- Deaf communities' resistance is rooted in their experiences and historical context.
- The framing of cochlear implants significantly impacts public perception and policy discussions.
Implications:
- Understanding the socio-historical context is crucial for ethical considerations in medical technology adoption.
- The conflict underscores the need for inclusive dialogue between medical professionals and disability communities.
- Policy decisions regarding cochlear implants should acknowledge the perspectives and rights of the deaf community.
