Cochlear Implants: Exploring Benefits and Challenges in Healthcare

This report examines cochlear implants, discussing their benefits and challenges. The author highlights the positive impact of cochlear implants on individuals with hearing loss, emphasizing improved hearing and communication capabilities. The report acknowledges the role of cochlear implants in speech development, particularly in children. However, it also addresses the challenges, including the need for surgery, the high cost of the device, and ongoing maintenance requirements such as battery changes. References to relevant literature, including works by Lee (2016), Maia (2020), and Scambler (2018), are included to support the discussion. The report concludes by underscoring the importance of understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of cochlear implants in modern healthcare.

Running head: COCHLEAR IMPLANT
Cochlear implant
Name
ID
Course
Unit
Lecturer
Date

COACHLEAR IMPLANT 2
Thoughts on Cochlear implants
Personally, I think cochlear implants have given hope to the people who have severe hearing
challenge. However, Scambler, (2018) stated that cochlear implants refers to the tiny electronic
gadgets that scientists have developed to aid sense of sound to the deaf. The gadget has two
parts. One part is surgically located inside the body while the other part is outside the ear of the
deaf. The device helps in transmitting the sound by bypassing the damaged parts of the ear and
trigger the auditory nerves. My point of view is that the functionality of this device makes it
different from a hearing aid. When one has a cochlear, he or she is able to detect warning signals
very fast. Apart from that, I can confirm that the person is able to differentiate various sounds
wherever he or she is at any given time. Personally I think cochlear is one of the best gadgets for
children and adults who have been confirmed deaf. However, many people are still unable to
access the device due to cost.
Pros and cons of cochlear.
The main benefit of cochlear is that it improves the hearing capability of individuals who are
deaf according to Lee, (2016). Thus enhances speech perception and communication all the time.
Secondly, it enhances speech development of a child thus giving the parents easy time to
improve child’s speaking and listening skills. The safety of the deaf is guaranteed since the
device is able to give warning of any dangerous sound coming to the ear.
Consequently, Maia, (2020) said that the first challenge of using this device is that one has to
undergo surgery which have risks and limitations. Secondly, the device is costly and any
insurance companies cannot cover all off it. Besides these, the device needs continuous
maintenance such as changing the batteries.

COACHLEAR IMPLANT 3
References
Lee, J. (2016). Cochlear implantation, enhancements, transhumanism and posthumanism: some
human questions. Science and engineering ethics, 22(1), 67-92.
Maia, T. G. (2020). Cochlear Implants in Congenitally Deaf Children: A Discussion Built on
Rights-Based Arguments. American Annals of the Deaf, 164(5), 546-559.
Scambler, S. (2018). Made to hear: cochlear implants and raising deaf children. Assistance to the
Deaf, 200(5), 78-150.