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Reconsidering cochlear implants: the lessons of Martha's Vineyard
1Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 678, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678 Australia. nlevy@csu.edu.au
Bioethics
|June 27, 2002
Summary
Cochlear implants are debated regarding their impact on Deaf culture. While some argue against medicalizing deafness, the primary concern is the potential loss of Deaf culture, outweighing other arguments.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Sociology of Disability
- Cultural Studies
Background:
- Cochlear implantation is a contentious issue within the Deaf community.
- Arguments against cochlear implants often center on cultural identity and the definition of disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate arguments opposing cochlear implants.
- To analyze the ethical implications of cochlear implantation on Deaf culture.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of ethical arguments.
- Examination of the relationship between medical intervention and cultural preservation.
Main Results:
- The argument that Deaf culture is intrinsically valuable is the most significant.
- Medical interventions like cochlear implants, while potentially beneficial, threaten the existence of Deaf culture.
- The benefits of cochlear implants for prelingually deaf children may not justify the cultural cost to the Deaf community.
Conclusions:
- The preservation of Deaf culture presents a significant ethical challenge to the widespread adoption of cochlear implants.
- Parents of deaf children face a difficult choice between their child's potential hearing ability and the preservation of Deaf culture.