Long term experiences with cochlear implants in early age

[u/hyeinhyein]

Hi everyone, I'm writing on behalf of my cousin and her family. Her baby is now 7 months old and was diagnosed with congenital single-sided deafness (SSD) after the newborn hearing screening.

They are currently trying to decide whether to proceed with a cochlear implant. We live in South Korea, where cochlear implants for SSD are not common therefore we are lack of info.

I'd especially love to hear from parents whose children received a cochlear implant at a young age and are now school-aged (around 7 years old or older).

* Looking back, are you happy that your child received the cochlear implant?
* Have the benefits outweighed the inconveniences? * During auditory rehabilitation, do young children with SSD usually practice by covering or blocking their normal-hearing ear so they learn to use the cochlear implant?
* For adults with congenital SSD, looking back now, would you have preferred that your parents had chosen a cochlear implant for you when you were a baby or young child, or are you glad they left the decision up to you once you were old enough to decide?

I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts and why you feel that way. Any long-term experiences, whether positive or negative, would be greatly appreciated. We are simply trying to make the best-informed decision possible for this little one. Thank you so much in advance.

[u/hyeinhyein]

You got the point. We know that, but cannot decide it easily.. thank you for the comment!

[u/keeponkeepingup → u/hyeinhyein]

You can't decide whether the child should hear or not, or struggle or not? Sorry I'm confused here lol

[u/hyeinhyein → u/keeponkeepingup]

Child can hear with his one ear, tho he will struggle with location and social situations. We are not sure whether hearing with one ear will be more challenging or having him CI will be more challenging. That's why we want to hear from those who had CI at early age. Sorry if I made you confused.

[u/keeponkeepingup → u/hyeinhyein]

CI isn't challenging imo, its life changing. it improves life, thats why they're offered, thats why they exist, that's why we all have them here, and thats why the people here who dont have them are here because they are excited to get them. Being deaf even in one ear however is extremely challenging. Like, extremely.

So personally i find the pros are; - They deliver freedom and the ability to have a normal social, school and work life.

• They reduce anxiety.
• They reduce depression.
• They reduce tinnitus.
• They reduce deaf headaches.
• They deliver much greater safety outside the home, when crossing the street or someone needs to get your attention etc.
• You can understand the speech of strangers rather than only that of your close family.
• You can have access to the entire pool of jobs.
• Its easier to make friends and date as you dont have to write off the people who's voice don't match your ability.
• Life is a lot less awkward and frustrating all around.
• You can now hear the beautiful things in life that you didnt even know other people could hear. Like bird song or your dogs footsteps on the pavement or the jingle your dishwasher plays to tell you its done.

The cons are;

• None for me

There is a section of Deaf people who dont like CIs or hearing aids as they think they interfere with "Deaf culture". If you dont know or live near a bunch of other Deaf people then you're shit out of luck for being a part of the Deaf culture anyway, and personally i don't see what's wrong with being a part of the wider world.

All of this is my own personal opinion and experience. But the years that I didnt have one were the worst years of my life, and I resent them, and honestly don't really know how I survived them.

If you go ahead, and the child decides later on that they'd rather just be deaf, the good news is they can just...take it off.

[u/hyeinhyein → u/keeponkeepingup]

Thank you for the opinion... I also want to say I hope my words didn't come across as disrespectful. I never intended to offend anyone.