Putting a culture at risk Hearing impairment is the most common type of birth defect, affecting about 12,000 newborns each year. About a third of those have profound deafness that would make them likely candidates for cochlear implants, according to the National Campaign for Hearing Health. Experts estimate more than 200,000 deaf adults and children in the USA could benefit from the implants. Many deaf advocates fear that the increasing use of implants threatens a rich culture, which includes American Sign Language and a sense of shared identity. Some also fear that deaf children who aren't taught to communicate visually through sign language could be left without any language at all if they are unsuccessful in using the cochlear implants.
Cochlear implants pick up sound through a small microphone attached near the ear.
Sound is transformed to electrical signals, which are sent through nerves to the brain. The sophisticated implants gained federal approval for use in adults in 1984, and for children in 1990. The Olivas say that providing their children with a chance to hear was more compelling than cultural arguments against cochlear implants. It can be a very emotional issue. Deciding for or against cochlear implants is just one of many tough decisions faced by parents of deaf children.