COMMON QUESTIONS AND MY OPINIONS

DO YOU RECOMMEND COCHLEAR IMPLANTS? (CIs)

The Pros and Cons of wearing a CI are widely available on the Web--except for one: the Social impact. A CI might set the wearer apart from both those who speak and hear normally and those who are culturally Deaf and use a signed language. A CI can isolate the wearer, prompting a withdrawal into a solitary and lonely life.

IS IT GOOD TO TEACH SOME SIGNS TO MY NORMALLY HEARING BABY?

Yes! Single signs allow a baby to communicate feelings and wants before acquiring the ability to speak. It promotes a logical thought process by connecting a movement to a concept that leads to a result. It can prevent tears of frustration.

ARE DEAF PEOPLE STILL DISCRIMINATED AGAINST TODAY?

Yes, but not in professional situations, i.e. in a doctor’s or lawyer’s office, because of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1900. But uninformed Hearing folks still make prejudicial judgements about Deaf people as a group.

IS “DEAF MUTE” A CORRECT TERM?

No! Most, if not all, people who are deaf have normal vocal cords. However, those who became deaf as infants have never heard anyone talk, so, when they are old enough to learn, they must be taught to speak. Some succeed, others do not.

IS IT SOMETIMES UNSAFE TO BE DEAF?

Yes! Not being able to hear anything unseen can make a deaf person vulnerable to danger signals such as ambulance sirens, tornado warnings, police commands, fire alarms, etc.