Controversy Surrounding Cochlear Implants

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L10 Essay Assignment
The cochlear implant is one of the inventions that has received support and opposing reactions in equal measure in the medical sector. Since the design of the first one in 1957, these devices have gained significant medical attention (Kilgore 2). While a section of the society felt that the development had brought life-changing capabilities to the deaf children, others feel that it is akin to deaf community genocide. Kilgore examines this technology as a divisive issue despite receiving significant backing and approval by the FDA for application in all individuals above twelve months (1). Despite the challenges facing these implants, they are transformative and progressive because of the capabilities they offer beneficiaries.
Although supporters of implanting cochlear implants at a young age remain aggressive in fronting their arguments, children should receive these devices later. Since being born deaf is a natural occurrence rather than a mistake that should become fixed, it would be respectful to allow children some opportunity to contribute to making such a life-changing decision. According to Solomon, using cochlear implants is comparable to other surgical interventions that people procure in later years to suit their appearance or even sexual orientation (51). Although opposers claim that one of the reasons for supporting implanting is that the devices have received scientific approval by the FDA as applicable and recommendable for children as early as 12 months, allowing children this opportunity as they learn the deaf culture would be justifiable (Kilgore 2). Thus, these reasons demonstrate the need for deferring the procedure until the children can decide to undertake it or not.
Diverse arguments about cochlear implants underscore the need for waiting until the children can choose for themselves. For instance, robbing them of the culture they would have learned support with the view that imposing this procedure on children translates to cultural genocide (Cooper 470). These indi...