First Name:
Cynthia
Last Name:
Wood
Major Department:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Thesis Director:
Jennifer Dalton
Date of Thesis:
May 2013
In today's society there is a controversy found within the deaf community concerning the use of cochlear implants. To understand the controversy of today and to see the future of the deaf community one must understand how we hear, the subcultures found within the deaf community, and the cochlear implant and the advances found within hearing aid technology. The use of cochlear implants will break down the glass wall found within education and the work place for the deaf. The deaf will finally receive the same amount of pay when compared to their hearing peers. Deaf individuals will also be able to live more independently, free of fear from the dangers around them. The use of cochlear implants will empower the deaf culture and ultimately make it stronger. The use of cochlear implants will not be the end of deaf culture, but simply the next step in evolution. The two sided conversation and education on this subject from both the hearing and the deaf will facilitate the deaf's success within everyday society.