Eradicating deafness

Nicole

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:35:09

I'm hard of hearing, I consider myself Deaf. I'm from St. John's, but have come to Washington DC for the world's only Deaf university... know why? Because Newfoundland is severely lacking the support Deaf people need. There's declining numbers of interpreters and support, more people getting implants for all the wrong reasons.

Dr. Batten is my ENT, but if I have to go and see an ENT in the future, I wouldn't be seeing him. The last time I seen him he was telling me things like, Oh, you're the perfect person to get an implant . I kept telling him that I'm not interested, and he'd keep offering. A doctor shouldn't put that kind of pressure on anyone, just express the pros AND cons then allow people to make the decision for themselves.

Submit a Comment

Admirer

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:35:07

I was hoping one day I may find a Dr in who itself Deaf Doctor out somewhere that can do the same with CI toward hearing people to become deaf.. How do you feel that Deaf Doctor decide to have hearing children to become deaf child?

Where is respects.. God dont make people to become normal person.. God perferred to have the world to become natural without being evil.. A child born deaf by natural with Gods heart..

We do have pos and cons toward CI..

If a person grew up with hard hearing impaired and realize that a person lost his/her hearing.. may need Ci is wonderful support..

If a person grew up with DEAF or Totally DEAF.. Don't control or consider or encourage him /her to have CI due its natural birth to become Deaf with their respects..

ASL is very POWER for Deaf Community's values that they need to live with ASL that people cannot stop us from no signing and use lipreading.. Thats not what God want..


LIVE BY NATURAL LIFE IS VERY BEAUTIFUL.. If LIFE BY NOT NATURAL LIFE is VERY UGLY by EVIL..

Think TWICE...

IM VERY PROUD OF BEING TOTALLY DEAF WITH ASL FLUENT

ADMIRER from Nova Scotia

Submit a Comment

Paige

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:35:03

I read this artile about it.
FOr me.. I did tried get coular implant when i was 13-14, They turned me down and say too risky cuz i am only 13-14 Which i should get when i was 2 to 5. But i am glad i didnt today snice Some my deaf friends say it not helping much just louder , not understand words, etc there no diffrence to do that thing. plus Some deaf people died from that. So i know its risky as other sugerys too.
but Kids might cant do sports due the risky of coular implant, etc alot things that might cant do or can do. Which its crazy. Should stay Deaf that way and proud of it. Techogly went up so fast and get new infomation etc.. We should stay Natural.
but i dont understand that parents focous the kids to do it at childhood snice kids have no power to say NO.. NO means no.. Parnets should know better.. its CHILD;s Body not the parnets.
I am glad my mother waited till i am old eough to make my decision about coular implant.
But Some what sometime i am not impressed snice what my friends feels from what parents did.
i agree some people on Comments
which is sad.

Submit a Comment

Chris Rose

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:34:27

In agreement with many posters here on this particular article. One of these posters, is Graham Forsey.

Graham writes about his own experience with C.I.s and I think it's prudent to note that; not only did he run into several failures to learn English (although his I.Q. just fine) he had several failed surgeries. Not with Dr. Batten, mind you, but he certainly went through his own personal hell because of this technology. Which brings me to conclude the same: It's not a silver bullet.

We need to see deafness as a 'difference' in physical form. This man is deaf. Therefore, if he wishes to hear, I may be able to help him get closer to his goal. I can't rightly say that: Because this man is deaf, I need to fix him.

Yes, young people across the planet are dealing with deafness everyday and could very well benefit from a C.I. but who's to say they don't like it better that way? I'm all for informed decisions. And, making a choice based on information that comes from multiple, reliable sources but sometimes we need to just assume that we're wrong - and ask those in the position themselves.

This post is getting quite long so I'll digress and end with this one thing:

I am not a parent. And therefore can not understand what it's like to see a child that cannot hear, as a hearing person and know that emotion. Is it pain? Is it suffering? Is it sadness? Or is it happiness that you have a healthy child that is happy and goes on living after birth? I'm not sure but what I do know is that I disagree with anyone (hearing or deaf) who would judge a parent for making this decision for their child. We can sit here and wax intellectual all day about making the decision for ourselves, but for a child or even an infant. Cross that bridge when you come to it, beyond that, let it be.

And to anyone here who has dealt with this surgeon in person - just be lucky the worst he did was try to sell you something. Because, it could be a whole lot worse by the looks of it.

Submit a Comment

A

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:34:12

Children (with implants) they get better incomes when they graduate, they get higher levels of learning, they integrate into society. SHAME ON YOU DR BATTEN!!
I guess you don't know sign language and that you don't know the deaf society and it's culture. 'Cause if you did you would never say such insulting things.
A cochlear implant is a fantastic hearing aid and it might work for some (many?) but only in the sence of hearing better. Deaf people have no problems being happy and having a good life. With our without hearing! So please don't set your own standard of living, your own language and your own hearing as being the ultimate. It's not!

Submit a Comment

Mindy

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:34:11

Now listen guys, Define Normal? Think about it...

There's no such thing as Normal or may I say perfectionism.

I am absolutely disgusted with you, Dr. Batten, you do not have a clue what you're saying... now now I can understand if you're getting a bit too cocky, but this???

Everywhere you go, everywhere you look, you see difference race, different culture, different people. You do not see Dr. Batten trying to change someone disabled like forcing someone in a wheelchair to walk? They accept them and make sure everything is accessible for them, but why us? Why the deafness? We may be deaf, but... We have a Language, our own language which is Sign Language. Just like English, there are other spoken languages in the world such as French, German or Spanish... and it is the same for Sign Language.

We have our own rules, our own folklore, our own traditions, etc... that makes a Culture.

You, Dr. Batten, really needs to smarten up a bit. You can't change the world.

Now, I have hearing aids, I benefit from them, but.. Sign Language helped me so much. It also helps my daughter at 6 months old! She got the language at very early age and she has the concept of a language because of sign language, then she was able to speak more than 5 vocabulary at the age of 10 months old. Now she is just two years old, she speaks and signs in sentences.. she knows colors etc...

So, you think you can change a person's life by giving him or her a bit of a hearing, without a language to begin with?

What about the person's future? social life, emotional issues?

So, you are stopping the kids from going to the school for the Deaf, the school that they needs! It is not just a school.... you have to understand that everyone in that school is like each other, no one gets left out. No one gets left out, no one goes home crying and say Mommy the kids pick at me, I cant understand them....

Explain this.

We are the voice of our own language and culture, don't you dare try to oppress us, those days are over.

We should act on this now, the problem is.. he haven't met us yet :)

Submit a Comment

Carrie

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:34:06

I am the mother of a very smart and intelligent deaf child. My son has had been granted the miracle of bilateral cochlear implants. He is in main-stream school and is performing at (or above)grade level.

My husband and I made the decission for him to have hs first cochlear implant when he was 7 months old. We did weeks of reasearch and decided that this was best for him. We are a hearing family and couldn't even consider not getting the cochlear implants.

I feel very strongly that this was the right decission for our family. Obviously, there are many families like us because of the declining enrollment at the NSD. But we all have to remember that our children are still DEAF! That is who they are and nothing will change that, cochlear implant or not.

Dr. Batten is a miracle maker. He deserves nothing but praise! He is a ground breaking surgeon, helping to bring bilaterals as a norm now for kids in Newfoundland & Labrador. His statements on the NSD being phased out are based on facts. Look at the numbers. If in fact it is phased out, then we will need to advoctae to ensure that the resources are going into the mainstream schools to help these kids keep up with their peers. HE did not incinuate that deafness was going to be erased, The Telegram labelled the article as such.

As an ENT, he knows that deafness is incurable, but it is a disability that has a great invention to help the deaf hear - cochlear implants.

Would this be such an issue if I needed a implant to keep my heart beating?

Submit a Comment

Unbelievable

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:33:57

Ashamed on you Mr. Batten and ALISHA MORRISSEY for this poor researched article, I couldn't believe that Newfoundland's Telegram would dare to run this story on the news for all to see! This article is nothing but biased toward to deaf and CI users! This article need to be well reasearched by interviewing people with CI users and deaf who doesn't wear CI. This insensitivity need to be stopped, whether you are deaf or blind, black or white, whatever happens to equality to all people?

Submit a Comment

Bryant

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:33:44

I see quite a lot of people are bashing each other on the article. Get over it folks, it is just an article and the press is reporting on a subject that came to light. Get real and get a life, you guys.

I see the rest of you living in isolation and desperation and that is what feeds the ignorance further. Lets get on with our lives.. and that should speak for itself a lot more!

Submit a Comment

Hearing or Not?

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:33:39

I have been subjected to the same treatment of perfect candidate as Nicole, I still think that Dr. Batten is a knowledgeable ENT doctor in NL. He's loves this ability of his to transform a person life and see the ripple effect from it. Not said nasty, but he has that power and he needs to have that personal satisfaction that he as a doctor can change lives.
The Deaf culture will never disappear, that is a given, but it's nice to know that these people can hear their children, grandchildren or even hear the music that is supposed to soothe the soul.
I too have turned this option down, twice in the last 10 years, but now I am ready to sit down with the information to make an informed decision of whether I want this or not.
Ms. Andrea Reid, it is proven to be more successful with the very young (with no/some hearing ability) and the deaf group than any other group. However, I can only imagine the happiness and satisfaction that you are witnessing as your daughter embraces life with so much less obstacles. It is great.

However, I'm in my early 40's and have been hearing impaired all my life with limited hearing but have a good speaking ability. There are pros and cons to every surgery. So, I'm terrified with my limited hearing that I have now I will not beable to adjust to the new sounds. Once this surgery is done, then whether it works or not, there is no going back. That's the drastic downside.

Oh well, still trying to get informed. Batten will just have to wait as I deal with trying to understand how I can be perfect in an imperfect way.

Submit a Comment

Ted

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:33:38

The doctors who think Deafness is eradicating, deaf schools phased out and the signing language knows as American Sign Language is a dying language don't deserve Dr before their names. They need to go back to school, they're obviously idiots. As of right now, Deafness can't be fixed or cure not even with CI or hearing aids. It has been that way since the biblical times. Deaf will always be here, like it or not.

Submit a Comment

Hearing person

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:33:21

I think The Telegram missed a valuable opportunity to write a nuanced article about a controversial subject. With apologies to Ms. Morrissey, this was clearly intended as a feel good article but was simply naive reporting. As many have stated, no time was taken to look at the other side of the story. Interviewing a person who became hard-of-hearing later in life, and the hearing parent of a deaf child, without presenting the views of the Deaf community on this topic is pretty lazy, in my opinion. As are statements like So sign language is a dying language...

It was a missed opportunity to address the divide between the views of many deaf individuals that deafness is a culture (hence the capital Ds) vs the views of many in the hearing world that deafness is a disability.

As others have pointed out, I don't think it is fair to demonize Dr. Batten (though he would likely benefit from a little sensitivity training on the subject) who is, I am sure, doing his best to provide what he sees as the best care to his patients.

Like it or not, hearing parents of a deaf child are going to leap at the chance to rid their child of any disadvantage that they can. Some of the comments from deaf readers (in particular, Bradley from NL) are ironically only going to cement these opinions due to their lack of proper written syntax (which I have been told is a common occurrence for ASL users but had yet to witness myself.)

My two cents - boo to The Telegram.

Submit a Comment

Janet

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:32:47

I have been profoundly deaf my whole of my life. I have a successful career in personal banking for 20 years. I find myself really proud of my deaf identity and have a great education.
Im not discussing the pros and cons of the cochlear Implant.
I understand how the deaf people community feels so hurt by what Dr Batten says Sign language is a dying language. Dr Batten is giving extremely wrong use of words about deaf people and culture. People have difficulty understand deaf culture and ASL language. I feel strongly Dr Batten should have understood deaf culture first before he discusses it in his Article. Hope it will help people wake up and be respectful to deaf people and stop putting them in the dark forever. My recommendation for Dr Batten, is that should have write a huge apologize to the deaf community before it gets worse! We deaf people do not have a disease. I dont believe sign language will die.

Submit a Comment

Trendy

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:32:39

Strongly considering that Dr Batten certainly discriminates and doesn't accept DEAF to bring into this world, he uses a bad judgement. As he mentioned, sign language is a dying language - is this called himself as a professional and brilliant surgeon? NOT!I'm instantly sure that he is in shock to see how professional and intelligent deaf people make wise comments. Does Dr Batten have common sense? What a shame! Look, I was born hearing but at the 2nd of my age, I lost my hearing loss to become deaf due to the high fever & few other kinds. I was mainstreamed at the public school until I was in the 2nd grade, I continued educating at the deaf school but I was early on the high level so I was put to the hearing classes with the sign language interpreter. Guess what? I was the top one of the students on the campus- all the education was easy for me, obviously a fast learner just like the other hearing people. Now I'm very blossomed to work as a fashion designer and patternmaker for the fashion industry. Even though I have own personal business. See, I'm pretty much proud of being deaf that usually wear a hearing aid and loves sign language, a beauty of language for the public. I thank God for naturally producing me on this globe, my life is blessed everyday through the bad and good time. Plus, I socialize both of hearing and deaf people just normal. I simply don't need PITY! Cochlear implant, for my own opinion, is a ultimate PITY, HARSH and CRUELTY to the deaf community and culture. It is ultimately lame but it is up to you all whether have it or not for your own reason- it's your own body or system.

Submit a Comment

Aguabo

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:32:37

Dear parents of deaf children, I am sorry that you have to read this. In spite of this, please do not let this destructive literature gets to you. You are welcome to become more informed through reading our available resources. I've listed them under Part 4 Mother Teresa Supports Every Child's Right to Life, Liberty and Property on youtube.
www.youtube.com/aguabo
There is no such thing as a difficult deaf child, only an inexperienced parent.

Submit a Comment

Chris

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:32:23

Me in NL, he may have helped people out, but the point is he insulted us deaf people, so, of course, we are offended and disgusted. Deafness is not what Dr Batten made it out to be. I accept myself for who I am. I am proud of myself and what I have done to this point. No regret at all in my life. Deafness is NOT a disability. We can do EVERYTHING except hear. I wish I could educate people on deafness, but, unfortunately, most people are close-minded.

Submit a Comment

Stephen

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:32:23

This articles has disappointed me instantly when I saw those disgusting comments coming from Dr. Batten. How could someone say something so cruel such as So sign language is a dying language and it is not even true!

I am former CI user and I don't wear it anymore for almost 5 years now. It doesn't work for me. It requires a lot of therapy and it used a lot of my childhood time. You may tell me that I may have missed a lot of things during my childhood.

CI is not a cure for the deafness and that is for sure. It is just a device that will give you the ability to hear but won't be perfect just like hearing people. Once you have it turned off, you're deaf again! Simple as that.

Speaking of school's closure, do you really know who/what have caused this? I know you may think this sound riciliously but it's true. Government is actually blocking off the new kids from coming to our deaf school! Why? Government is encouraging the parents to have their kids implanted and attend to the hearing school. So there, is that only the choice the parent have to make based on Government's decision? Yup, so far cause they haven't mentioned them about the deaf school, language they can use to communicate with deaf kids, and services that the deaf kids can benefit from. This has became so tiresome for most of us.

For everyone out there, we, people of deaf community, sent letters, gave our speeches, arranged a rally, and so many things to government to give people the choices for their kids including deaf school, sign language, deaf education, Cochlear Implants, and etc. Guess what, no matter how much effort we already invested in this progress.... government wouldn't listen our voice, wouldn't discuss with us, or no reply from them at all.

Sad but pathetic, isn't it?

Submit a Comment

Rob

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:32:18

Why would parents want their children to grow up deaf? Why would they deprive them of a sense? Is it maybe that the pro-deaf culture is becoming afraid that the older they get, the more isolated they'll become? Denying a child of the right to hear seems to be a clear violation of human rights, and the incentive for doing so seems entirely selfish without one solid argument. Kind of reminds me of when parents pay for their children to stay home and not work because their afraid of being lonely. Sad.

Submit a Comment

Ryan

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:32:12

Im still livid and infuriated about this whole article. Hence my fifth appearance on this site (other comments didn't make it cause I let my emotions get the best of myself)

To sum it up, Dr. Batten is a destroyer.

Submit a Comment

Daishun

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:31:20

Alisha (the writer of this article),

I am seeing there is a lot of disgusted deaf readers who are really disgusted with Dr. Batten. I, too, am very disgusted along with deaf readers. No, I am not a CI user and I would plan not to use them anyway because I know there is risks involved.

Ever seen the show last night called House ? There was a show about a deaf teenager and hearing mother discussing about CI. It did showed that it helped deaf people with their deafness but there are RISKS involved in this. Maybe you should find that show from last night on FOX and see it again on reruns. You will see what their experience is like and how they would decide either they want to remain deaf or use CI. The CI is not a cure for deafness.

Next time, do your research more on cochlear implant and discuss with deaf people and CI users before you post it in the news. This article had created outrage against this article and Dr. Batten. Next time, RESEARCH!!!

Submit a Comment

Longshanks

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:30:49

The fact that a wonderful and supportive culture has grown up around this disability does not change the fact that being deaf is a deficiency that should be corrected if possible.

Submit a Comment

Julie

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:30:35

This should not be an either/or discussion but an both/and discussion. The implant itself is a technological device that has great potential for some people. Research has also shown that those with the implants AND learn sign language are the ones who are most successful. Get the implant or hearing aid AND learn sign language.

Hearing babies are praised for learning sign language at 9 months old but the medical profession is telling parents of deaf/hard of hearing children not to sign. Very ironic!

Technology AND Sign language.

Medical advances AND Cultural awareness

** Let's educate the whole child and not just the aural/oral piece.

Submit a Comment

Myles

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:30:25

Eradication - noun - extermination, annihilation, elimination; see DESTRUCTION.
I am a person who is profoundly deaf. I am not a candidate for a cochlear implant nor for eradication. I cannot learn to hear. Signing is as much a part of my identity as voice is to the hearing. While I am certain Dr.Batten has made an invaluable contribution in his field. I think some sensitivity training would go a long way in dealing with professional arrogance.
Many people who are hearing and deaf have benefited from Sign Language. Two of my hearing grandchildren sign full sentences to me their grandfather who is deaf. We engage in conversation that they are unable to yet verbalize at their tender age.
Bonding
Communication
Amazing Sign Language!

Submit a Comment

Velma

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:30:05

HEre's the truth, Dr. Tony Batten is proven as an EUGENIST to people with hearing loss. By 2020, who will take care of those people with disabilities? Anyone could face unexpected accident or come home from war with severe hearing loss, who will take care of them? Guys, those commentors who are pro of eugenics then you are on the wrong turf because no one is going to take care of you as you age in ugly and ungraceful ways. We must end all of this, stop putting imposed goals on children who are forced to receive CI and to abolish their 1st Amendment, Right to Speech, American Sign Language!

Submit a Comment

Deaf_Newfie

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:29:55

Alisha Morrissey has brutally failed one of the codes of journalism by writing an one-sided story in order to glorify Dr. Batten who unsurprisingly reminds me of Alexander Graham Bell, a well-known eugenicist and cochlear implant for a few reasons. First, she failed to make this article well-balanced and unbiased. She did not bother to contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf (NLAD) and the Canadian Association of the Deaf whom she can contact for their positions and interviews on cochlear implants. For a matter of fact, the NLAD is one of the oldest disabled organizations in NL and and have represented the Deaf and hard of hearing people in NL for a long time. And, there are lack of information on the cons about cochlear implants; therefore, Ms. Morrisey purposely or not did not put in her article.

Submit a Comment

Cindy

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:29:48

I was diagnosed with hereditary hearing loss at age 25. I sat in the ENT's chair, he looked in my ears, up my nose...wrote on a pad of paper handed it to me and told me to go next door to order a couple of hearing aids! I sat there looking rather stunned. I didn't understand what he was trying to tell me. When I asked him questions he got rather irritated and told me to get the hearing aids and everything would be fine. I had to do all the research and find out everything i needed to know on my own, alone.
A year later I decided to get a second opinion so I saw Dr. Batten, he spent a little more time with me but still didn't explain anything about my hereditary condition or caution me to have any future children checked for hearing loss. He told me i was not a candidate for cochlear implants and there was nothing he could do for me. I should see an audiologist every other year and wear my aids. That was it.
Did you know hearing loss is considered an aging problem and therefore is not covered by many insurance plans? Oh and you can claim the amount you spend on batteries on your income tax, just keep the receipts of course.

Submit a Comment

Chad

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:29:28

This article screams Audism .

I am not against cochlear implants and I know the pros and cons very well. Sometimes, CI works and other times, it doesn't. That is a fact and I have accepted that as a Deaf fella.

On behalf of all of our supporters here, I am speaking out to Robyn Carter, Melissa Chaikof, Bryant Melesko, Richard Rowhm and a few others who are on the same warship as they are, did you see what Mr. Batten say? Let me rephrase:

We don't have any children now going to the school for the deaf, Batten says, explaining that children who are born deaf have a good chance at hearing if they get an implant early in life.

The school for the deaf is being phased out, he says. Children (with implants) they get better incomes when they graduate, they get higher levels of learning, they integrate into society.

It's interesting because it's a dying culture and it's kind of part of our past now.

All of the comments above are reasonable to discuss and undoubtfully that the article is nothing but a pathetic insult.

How can somebody determine that people with CI will definitely earn a better income and life? There are many non-Deaf people out there who don't have a motivation to be successful or interested to earn a higher education! Should hearing people get CI so they can have a better job? Better education?

I am Deaf and using hearing aid in ONE ear and using American Sign Language as my primary communication and I am successful as an engineer as well many other Deaf people that I know. I am heavily involved with hearing people on my job, no Deafies, and I communicate through sign language and it is up to them to follow and they have tremendous respects for my language. It is God Given Power Language. It will never die.

People in Newfoundland and Labrador who doesn't understand our WAY of life, God's Creations, are the reasons why so many dreams of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are shattered because the government and lack of understanding deafness people refuse to let us to identify ourselves in public.

This is about IDENTITY and this is who we are!
WAKE UP PEOPLE!! GET OUT AND EXPLORE THE DEAFNESS!

Myrtle Barrett, you were my social worker at NSD, you were part of the NSD family. I am shocked to read what you have stated in the article. It is obviously that they were your opinion but it doesn't mean that they are true. You should have an understanding of a general term of Deafness, even as a social worker before you preach. Your opinion tells me that you don't understand Deafness and Identity. I will block your any general support to eradicates deafness in public.

Submit a Comment

Rhonda

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:29:13

Dr. Batten is a wonderful man, and is looking out for only the best interests of his patients. I'm sorry the previous poster felt pressured by his insistance to give his patients the best options to them.

Dr. Batten has been my doctor for a number of years now as I am affected by Heriditary hearling loss. My Uncle was that first patient he did the surgery on in 1999. This province should be so thankful ( as I am) to have such a wonderful specialist in this province. I Thank God every day for Dr. Batten and what he has done for my family, and for my hearing health.

Submit a Comment

Me in NL

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:28:28

USA from NEWFOUNDLAND, Sorry if you were offended but DR. Batten has helped so many people with this new technology which is amazing! I see every day a special person who has these implants and I must say they were the people who choose and it was never pressured on them. Change is always hard to accept even if it can improve ones future. Thanks to DR. Batten and his Staff Keep up the good work

Submit a Comment

Cydrina

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:28:16

In response to CHAD Greenham from Maryland, I TOTALLY AGREE with you. This article makes it sound like Deaf people are DUMB and that's NOT true.

I am not Deaf but have been involved with the Deaf community for years. I know a lot of very smart Deaf people. Being Deaf does not make someone stupid or unable to learn. Good for you in getting your BAC in engineering, Chad.

ASL is not dying out because the CI is not guaranteed to work for everyone regardless of the age. I have a friend whose son has one and it does NOT work. And he`s not the only one. So there will always be Deaf people and thus, ASL will always be needed for them to communicate. Unless they prefer to speak and lipread, but the majority of them dont! ASL is their means of communication and they are proud of it! And I think that is wonderful.

Submit a Comment

Gail

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:56

Your article is unbelievably ignorant and disrespectful. You do not know what you are saying.

I am Deaf mother of four deaf children and a grandmother of four grandchildren, and two of them are deaf. I am very proud.. We communicate in ASL. We are very well educated. Sign language is dying?? No it wont happen! Hearing people want to learn sign language, even more ironically, hearing parents wants ASL for their hearing babies. Yet professionals don't want deaf babies to learn sign language... and hearing babies are allowed? what are they thinking? this is really bizarre!

Deaf Culture is dying?? No, it wont happen either! never will be!

You are just one of few doctors who don't or WON'T bother to check out about our precious sign language or deaf culture is actually disrespecting us. Your words forever scarred for deaf community.

People who have CI will be always DEAF when they don't wear them during sleep, playing sports, having shower, etc.

Over six years, I work with families with deaf children, whether they have CI or not, I ENCOURAGE them to learn ASL. no matter what!

Last thing, I am thankful that I live in Ontario because there are better opportunities for deaf people here for education . Most of all, we are treated equally and receive respect.

Your article shows disrespect for deaf community. It is very sad indeed..

Submit a Comment

Triffie

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:50

It's grand that we have evolved so far in society that we can proudly announce that a culture/group will soon be eradicated . Such an inappropriate word in this case. Such a word has been used when medical community had almost wiped out(i.e.) Small Pox or the Bubonic plague. The use of eradicate is unbelievably insulting . No matter what medical advances are achieved there will always be Deaf people. As long as there is a human Deaf soul out there who wishes to communicate freely, there will be ASL. It is long past time Academia to see the Deaf from not only the medical model but a cultural model as a people. It is time for us not to be as judgemental to qualify the worth of culture/community because it arose from a disability as some had stated in this forum. Choosing to be deaf or having a CI is a very personal decision that individual and parents have to make. What they choose should not be the result of pressure or the politics of the era. Dr. Tony Batten has taken quite a beating here. I think that although I have no doubt he is a learned man, I pity him. He only understands the mechanics of deafness. He will probably never understand the joy the Deaf experience within their community. That is the world where they have a sense of belonging; they not damaged. A place where they choose to belong.

Submit a Comment

Sasha

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:40

I read this article...I cant believe that its seem very discrimination to Deaf people (called Audism), because what Dr. Batten said such as offend/rude words So sign language is a dying language. and It's interesting because it's a dying culture and it's kind of part of our past now
Did this article not tell about CI risk/ cons? In fact the CI have increased RISK/ disadvantage. There has article about one girl aged 7 died from CI risk. See the website here:
http://www.ketv.com/newsarchive/10891548/detail.html
And other websites about CI cons:
The United States Food and Drug Administration reports that cochlear implant recipients may be at higher risk for meningitis.[12] A study of 4,265 American children who received implants between 1997 and 2002 concluded that recipient children had a risk of pneumococcal meningitis more than 30 times greater than that for children in the general population.[13] A later, UK-based, study found that while the incidence of meningitis in implanted adults was significantly higher than the general population, the incidence in children was no different than the general population.[14]
By: cochlear implant. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 2008. Answers.com 29 Apr. 2009. http://www.answers.com/topic/cochlear-implant
Risks
As with all operations, there are risks with this surgery. These include:
infection at the incision site
bleeding
complications related to anesthesia
transient dizziness
facial paralysis (rarely)
temporary taste disturbances
additional hearing loss
device failure
However, it should be noted that serious surgical complications have been observed at only one in 10,000 procedures of this type.
By: cochlear implant. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. Answers.com 29 Apr. 2009. http://www.answers.com/topic/cochlear-implant

Submit a Comment

Cindy

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:32

Obviously this article is written from a clinical perspective and does not take into account the many social and emotional factors of being Deaf. The decision to have a child implanted should be very well thought out and parents should be fully exposed to the Deaf world and the hard of hearing world before making a decision. Sadly, when children are screened and a hearing loss is detected, they are almost exclusively exposed to the clinical perspective. It is important that parents themselves explore all perspectives before making a decision.

One fact that is not mentioned in the article that I consider important, is the medical ramification of having a cochlear implant. In order to implant the device, all usable hearing is permanently destroyed. They are making some gains in this area, but not fast enough. There are currently a number of research projects that look at developing drugs and proteins to regenerate the growth of hair cells in the ear. Also there is some research happening using stem cells to regenerate growth of hair cells in the ear. Ninety percent of people with a hearing loss have sensoneurial hearing loss. Simply put, the hair cells in the ear are damaged and unable to carry sound waves. If any of these research projects were ever to be successful, people who have had a CI would not be a candidate for this type of treatment. The research is in very early stages and it is not like we could expect any results in the next five years, but consider this scenario: A three year old child receives bi-lateral CI. All usable hearing in both ears is permanently gone. She spends the next seven years in extensive therapy, struggling to have speech and language levels at par with her peers. As it has already been pointed out, CI's do not restore perfect hearing. It is an upward battle to acquire grade level speech and language skills. Now she is 10 years old and a protein has been released that will fully regenerate the growth of hair cells in the ear. Natural hearing is possible. This 10 year old girl will never benefit from that. As a parent, how would you feel? As a young adult who has a CI, how would you feel?

For me personally, as a person with a profound hearing loss, I would love to have typical hearing. I could not risk the damage imposed by a CI, knowing that the future may hold a better solution.

Finally, hearing loss is personal. How a person chooses to accept their hearing loss is personal. There is no wrong answer. The important things are to have informed choices, to respect the choices people make, and to be respectful to a culture that embraces deafness and makes being Deaf something to be proud about.

Submit a Comment

Lindsey

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:22

Deaf people don't need pity, they aren't disabled, and they don't need to be fixed!

Submit a Comment

Chris

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:21

I am absolutely disgusted with Dr Batten's comment.

I am deaf, I earn decent income, and fit into society very well. I am an apprentice plumber who will be receiving journeyman ticket in 2010. I am involved in both deaf and hearing world, and I fit in both of them very well. Everywhere I go, and meet people, there are usually people who mentioned that they want to learn sign language so bad and how it should be second language instead of french. So Dr Batten's comment about sign language dying is nonense.

Dr. Batten, next time you do an article, do some research before you make yourself look like an idiot.

Submit a Comment

anonymous

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:07

Deafness isn't a disease, it's who they are! Listen the only Deaf people i know are the goverment because for every arguement our people put forth it always seems to fall on Deaf ears. So why not promote CI to them I really do think they might need it! Also Dr Batten should beware of what he is saying it's affecting alot of people. Sign language wouldn't be a dying language if they put interpeaters out in the classes with those student who do have CI along with those who don't. Sign Language is a lovely Language it can help the hearing as well. answer me this have any of you have a really bad ear infection or water build up and you couldn't ear anything for atleast 24 hours or more? If so if you've known Sign Language and everybody else did then you could still hear them because you'll be using Signs so don't tell me that Sign Language is a dying Language and is in our past, It can bennfit everyone!

Submit a Comment

Heather

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:04

Children with implants they get better incomes when they graduate,they get higher levels of learning,etc. Wow! That blows my mind how Dr.Batten belittle the deaf & hearing impaired,he just don't understand our way of life and to talk down to is beyond me.

I seen Dr.Batten last year. He told me that I'm the perfect person to get an implant, without so much checking me out. I told him I have to think it over because this is a very drastic step for me to take.He even asked me if would I be interested to go to University as a model so the students could learn a thing or two.I was filled with dismay and turn it down flat! I'm no genuine pig . Well all is said & done... he said he would get in touch with me to make an appt. for CI...GUESS WHAT! He never call!!!! Even he did I'm still not interersted.....SORRY!!!!!

I'm in my early 40's & have been hearing impaired all my life and wears a hearing aid and I have a good job working in a hotel and deals with my customers every day. So that goes to show anyone can do it
Cheers to Chad Greenham!!
I'm proud of who I am...

Submit a Comment

Robyn

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:27:02

The right answer for Edward Bragg's question, is... Go and get yourself evaluated in a Cochlear Implant Programme, and don't let anyone except a professional tell you whether you can or can't be helped.

Once again - many of these deaf people speaking out against cochlear implants are probably the people who wouldn't get one anyway based on their length of time they've been deaf, and lack of memory of hearing.

We all know that CI's work best for late deafened people, and for babies/children who are born deaf or go deaf suddenly. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.

As for risks - Any surgical procedure has a risk - but the outcome is so good, I can say it's truly worth it. I know - as I've had 3 implants now and if anything happened to my current one, I would go ahead and have another.

Silience is definitely NOT golden.

Submit a Comment

Robyn

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:26:43

This article screams AUDISM!!!!!

We live in a country that values equal opportunity regardless of sex, religion, race, etc.

Being Deaf is a WAY of life. Being Deaf does not make us suffer but being in this society does.

We are being vicitimized just like Native people were when white European people came and colonized them. We are being colonized and that has to stop! The only way it could stop is to change one's attitude and accept that being Deaf is not a disability - only living differently, yet, effectively. Once people understand us more, they will realize that we are as equal as others. We are human, period!

Submit a Comment

Jon Deer

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:26:33

First and for most, deafness in NOT a disability!!!!! It is a culture. If some doctor is trying to eradicate this supposed affliction be means of technology, then he needs to do more research on the Deaf community to realize that he attempting a cultural genocide.

Submit a Comment

Bryant

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:26:23

I'm sorry, but most of you are ignorant as to the way these cochlear implants work. They work on the electrical level instead of amplifying the sounds. That is why all the resistance exists. Get over it all of you, evolutionary technology allows for greater understanding and appreciation of new things to try!!

Submit a Comment

Andrea

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:26:19

Wow.. this article is mind-blowing and insulting at the same time. Before I type further, I'm Deaf, non-CI user, ASL user. ASL is American Sign Language, which is well known language among Deafs. I agree with Kristen on this article for only showing the pros for CI. Trust me, there's are some cons. Sadly, many doctors, like Dr. Batten, only show the pros to the public. I'm sure that all of you know that everything have pros and cons, since no one is perfect. Also, the public has the rights to know the cons. So the article won't mislead the public. I'm offended by this quote, The school for the deaf is being phased out, he says. Children (with implants) they get better incomes when they graduate, they get higher levels of learning, they integrate into society. I don't realize that I'm idiot? And my income is that low? (Yes, I have a job that pays that well!!) And I can't intergrate into society? (sorry my family and my friends, I don't know that I am suppose to be loner.) Btw, that was sarcastic comment in case you can't tell. Yes, deafs do know how to be sarcastic. I know it's surprising that we are able to do this. I'm truly disappointed in this article, it only show one point of view, where is other view. I don't think it's anything wrong with being Deaf. It's nice to be different, not be exactly same of other people. Or this world will be a boring place. We have diversity in this world which is races, religions, backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, customs, disabilites, etc. If we eliminate all of those. It would be a dull place to live in. Echhh. Thanks.

Submit a Comment

maria

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:25:47

There have been studies of deaf people having this surgery later in life that cannot adapt to all of the sound and become very frustrated. Deaf people are like everyone else (i have 2 cousins who are deaf) and yes at time they speak very fast (ASL) and it is hard to understand them but when asked to slow down they are ver accomidating and understood. As i recall this surgery has been around for years and one of my cousin was not a candidate for this surgery, he is 30 years old now and unless drastic changes have been made there will alwasy be people who aren't good candidates for surgery. ASL as a dying language should be avoided at all costs since there will always be a need for interpreters for those not able to understand the language especially in the medical fields. The implant should always be a choice for those who feel it is the right thing for them and never be forced on anyone.

Submit a Comment

David

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:25:37

I am extremely concerned about his comment that is very inappropriate. I am now questioning his professionalism and his code of ethics for in my view, promoting audism and genocide against the humanity of Deaf people.

Submit a Comment

Mom with deaf daughter

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:25:30

I could not believe what I was reading this morning. ASL is a dying language and if you do not get an implant you will not get a good income and not be able to get higher levels of education.
As a hearing Mom of a deaf daughter , who is now in her mid-twenties, I'm upset.
First - the article is all one sided, my husband and I investigated the CI - we where told that it doesn't work for everyone, that what little hearing she did have, would more then likely be destroyed. There was a chance that it could paralysis her facial muscles on the side of the implant. I could not make that life altering decision for her therefore when she got older, we let her decide, she choose not to have the CI.
My daughter has 2 semester left at MUN and she will have her degree. She has been approached to do her Masters. Do you call this higher levels of education or not ????
Have you every watched the deaf use ASL?? It is a beautiful expressive language. It has structure and it own rules, it is the same as English, French or Spanish. In some universities in Canada it is recognized as a language o it's own and is taught as second language.
My last point is that I also have a hearing son, I worried more about his education in a hearing school due to the lack of resources then I ever did about my daughter's who attended NSD. I just hope and pray that the children who have been integrated into hearing schools will have the same access to a good education as they did at NSD.

Submit a Comment

RME

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:25:07

When the Deaf children are implanted with cochlear implants , they are still DEAF. That is why the deafness will NOT be eradicated. That is why Ms. Morrisey is one of the most uneducated and biased reporters that I have ever seen.

He says. Children (with implants) they get better incomes when they graduate, they get higher levels of learning, they integrate into society. It is not true and he has not had any convincingly conclusive proof to back up this statement.

I graduated from NSD some years ago and I went to university. In the end, my yearly income is near six figures and I am doing well in real society. Some NSD graduates have become successful in various positions such as vice-principal, professor, software system developer, college teacher, computer programmers, teachers, and so on and for a fact their incomes are pretty solid. That is why Dr. Batten has used his unproven statement in order to mislead parents of Deaf children about their future on purpose.

Submit a Comment

Triffie

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:51

I also take issue with the journalist, Alisha Morrisey. The bi-line alone makes me cringe. School for the Hearing Impaired could one day be out of business Where is this place? The School for the Deaf is on Topsail Rd. Don't believe me? Look it up in the phone Book! Google Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The School for the DEAF is under Student Support Services! Although I do not agree with the philosophy espoused by the article, I am outraged at the lack of journalistic research. I thought it was poorly written and surprised the telegram would print such a one sided article. I don't always agree with a writer's perspective but this was the news! By the way Alicia, School for the Deaf, soon to be closing it self is not news. It's history. As former Minister of Education Joan Burke stated in various forms of media August 2007 (including The Telegram) that the School for Deaf will die a natural death .
The fact that I think that will be a sad day is a topic for another day!

Submit a Comment

Nicole

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:36

I didn't feel pressured as you said. Just angry. All he did was say the good things about the implant, he never said any of the many things that could go wrong. I wouldn't have a problem with him if people were actually given both the pros and cons.

It's good that he has helped many, there's no doubt about that. It's great for the people that have the surgery and are happy!
But the same time, I'm actually a part of the Deaf community in NL, in Canada, in Washington DC (Where I attend the world's only Deaf university), and I've heard the bad things as well. Most only hear the good, and that doesn't always lead to the wise decisions. =)

I have too much to lose to get an implant, but if in the future I no longer benefit from hearing aids, that's when I'd get an implant. It's the only way I can connect to my family. Just putting that out there as well, so no one thinks I'm completely against it. I support informed decisions.

Submit a Comment

Ryan

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:33

Only if he could see the beauty American Sign Language exudes. It is a culture of its own and thats that.

Sign Language will never die as long as humans thrive on this planet. It will continue to thrive for generations and generations to come. I personally am not too worried about the fact that cochlear implants may or may not eradicate Deafness.

I don't understand how parents of children with CI can live with themselves knowing they have violated the child's freedom of choice. Granted it may help them in the future but then they were intended to lose their hearings so that way they wouldn't hear the evil of the world. Im shaking my head at the fact that they think it is ethical to step in and make a drastic life that will have big ramifications on their future. They could also face the risk of death, injury, ostracization from both worlds (Deaf & Hearing) and so on forth.

I am a student at Gallaudet University and I come from Canada. After reading this article, I now turn my back on my own country because of this man. I am truly ashamed a Canadian man would make such explicit and brash comments about us Deaf people.

We are functional members of society so there isn't anything to worry about. We're able to have children, get professional jobs, PhD degrees and so on forth.

Submit a Comment

Beth

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:32

I think that NSD should stay open and turn into a ASL immersion school.This gives a chance for the deaf students and hearing students to intergrate and become aware of both worlds. Speaking from experience as a child who was taken out of NSD and put into a hearing school, I felt like I didn't belong to any world because I was no longer in touch with the deaf world and I didn't completely belong into the hearing world.

I was always told that I was a candidate for a cochlear implant and finally gave in 2 yrs ago. I hear just the same now as I could with my hearing aids. Only now I have to pay a lot of money for insurance that we don't have in Canada. Having an cochlear implant is very costly!

Submit a Comment

Felicia

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:31

Growing up Hard of Hearing and having received a Cochlear Implant myself due to personal reasons, I understand the debate about Cochlear Implants are a complicated one. I won't go into facts that could probably take a few chapters, since I have limited space here.

But, I will say this: there is in no way any justification for the way CI's are painted here. Anything in this life is half chance -anything. Just like glasses don't work the same way for everyone, CI's don't either. It is not magic. There is no manual that covers what to do if it is unsuccessful. Not everyone who has received a CI benefits from it. And for some of us who have gone through the process we can tell you it is not simply hearing one day. It is a process that can be long and ardous, and emotionally exhausting. It is far more complicated than simply eradicating hearing loss.

As for sign language being phased out and in the past I would like to point out that some of us who are Hard of Hearing with Cochlear Implants or without, still utilize the usage of Sign Language in our everyday lives. There does not have to be one way or the other. It is possible to have the best of all worlds.

I am in a world with sound, but I love the silence. I cherish every minute that I can spend in both worlds. And sometimes, there is nothing better than when I can have both of them meet.

But secretly, sometimes, I love being able to see the story, instead of trying to imagine it in my head -it never does it justice the way that ASL can.

Submit a Comment

Deaf

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:24

I'm very speechless with the ignorant words that came out of Dr.Batten mouth. Alisha Morrissey and Dr.Batten SHOULD get their facts straight before you guys ever say anything stupid to the deaf community in whole. It is a very terrible article done by Morrissey. I don't need to go on and on with this because I already agree with most of the comments that were posted in here. DOWN WITH OPPRESSION AND AUDISM!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! DEAF CULTURE AND ASL WILL NEVER DIE!!

Submit a Comment

Irritated bY Ignorance

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:24

correction that should read *geographical* not geological

Richard: it seems to me you are trying to provoke an intellecutal debate to prove your intelligence. Am I mistaken?

Submit a Comment

Gary

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:06

Its not so much that Dr Batten wants people to have cochlear implants that worries me, each to their own, its more how misleading his comments are.

Cochlear Implants do not make anyone hearing. Even with a cochlear implant they are still deaf. All a cochlear implant is in reality, is a high tech hearing aid. If the implant malfunctions, and they frequently do, then the recipent is still deaf, not that they were not in the first place.

People that receive cochlear implants also get verying benefits. Some get a lot, others less so. Some kids learn spoken English well, others less so. Some have excellent literacy while others show evidence of hearing problems in dropping the S of singular or plural words and in getting tenses wrong and so on.

Deaf culture aside, which I agree has been insulted by this article, this sort of misleading article is dangerous. It gives people false hope. It makes people think that with a cochlear implant deafness is a thing of the past. Clap trap as they say.

The Dr in question, and indeed the journalist, should hang their heads in shame. I suspect the Dr is only looking for a way to line his pockets, the journalist in writing something heartwarming and sensational. The damage the two of them can and have done with this wisshy washy nonsesne is immeasurable.

Submit a Comment

Tracey

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:24:06

My son Graham commented on this article earlier. I live in Paradise and he is going to school in Ontario. Why? We have been separated because of the lack of resources and teachers at NSD. They were unable to provide him with the necessary courses to graduate because of the constant cutbacks by govt. Our alternative was to put him in a hearing high school with an interpreter. He is a very bright deaf kid who will undoubtedly become a very successful deaf adult. I take offense to the tone of the article insinuating that deaf people need to be fixed in order to become productive members of society. The opportunities for Deaf people in NL are so limited that we lose many of our successful adults to the bigger centers. Graham is academically gifted and will probably find his niche in another province. With articles like this one I can hardly blame him.

Submit a Comment

Misha

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:23:54

Oh, by the way.....yes, I'm Deaf. No, I don't have C.I. I don't have any desire to acquire one for myself. I'm happy the way I am. That's that.

Misha

Submit a Comment

Luke

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:23:51

I'm a student at Gonzaga High School, and am enrolled in the American Sign Language course. Through this course we have learned so much about the Deaf Culture and how amazing it really is. Dr. Batten said it's a disability that it can be cured but that isn't true at all. So many Deaf individuals enjoy their lives and just have a different look on life it's not that it's a disability. These Deaf students have become great friends with so many of us at Gonzaga High School and people treat them the same as anyone else and don't believe they have to be hearing to be accepted into our school community. I think it's so insulting to hear the Deaf community being put down in this way. So many of these things stated above aren't true and a deaf person can be just as succesfull without getting a CI. So many Deaf individuals have gone on to pursue careers such as acting and engineering along with many others. People should be given the chance to decide what they want to do instead of forcing people into it like it seems Dr. Batten is doing. I think if he realized how beautiful sign language is and got a taste of Deaf Culture he would realize why people are proud to be Deaf and aren't interested in this surgery.

Submit a Comment

Jeff

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:23:43

It's interesting because it's a dying culture and it's kind of part of our past now.

It's partly true because we can see that there is a general decline in the deaf (w/SL) population and who will preserve the deaf culture when they are gone? :-)

Submit a Comment

Edward

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:23:23

I am hearing impaired in my right ear and I have a hearing aid but I still cant understand what people are saying. they dont like when they have to repeat themselves. could I get help for my ear??

Submit a Comment

Northtrue

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:23:18

I read your article. Where is your proof of that Sign language is dying?
Sport referee use sign language to communicate that show what plenty.
Baby learn sign first then spoke lately.

So what your proof that ASL is dying by evidence research?

Your message hurt minority community and you are above of us!

Submit a Comment

Cookie

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:22:55

Hi , i was reading this article and the comments that people made. I was very upset to read that this doctor said that sign language is a dying language. I know this is not true at all. People all over the world still use sign language and even hearing people use sign language to teach their child how to communicate even before they can talk. (In the case with julia roberts teaching her twins sign language)
Sign language is very important to deaf and hard of hearing people.. i'm deaf and i have a cochlear implant. Although my cochlear implant stopped working and i'm due to have another surgery.I'm very lucky i know sign language and that other people that i work with who are hearing use sign language., i can communicate with them. If i didn't have that it would have been really hard to understand anything.
I know alot of people don't agree with a cochlear implant but i like it alot and it helps me hear. I'm part of both worlds since i know sign language and i can talk pretty well. It's like people that have hearing aids to help them hear , just like cochlear implants help the ones that hearing aids don't work , help them hear. I can't wait to get my implant altho i know there are risks but i want to be able to hear my son. I'm teaching my son sign language because he can communicate with me before he learns to talk. I have friends that are deaf that use sign language plus in my work i need to know sign language to communicate with the deaf blind. There will always be sign language as long as there is deaf people in this world. I feel that sign language should come second instead of french... because french is a hard language to understand.
This person should learn to think before speaking and saying things to offend deaf and hard of hearing people.

Submit a Comment

Jay

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:22:54

CI doesn't solve everything. Although I never got the implant, I was mainstreamed at a very early age. I was subjected to ridicule, lonliness, isolation . . . you name it. For years I suffered identity crisis, depression, and suicidal tendecies. To this day I still feel like I am missing something in life. I have no sense of belonging to anyone. The hearing world, i.e. parents, teachers, government, should never have forced this upon us simply to make them happy. School for the Deaf, if all else, should serve as a social glue - a common bond to give meaning and identification for all deaf and hard of hearing persons. I find Dr. Batten comment very shallow and narrow minded. He doesn't realize the social ramification of how CI is slowly destroying the deaf culture and take away one sense of belonging.

Submit a Comment

Erika

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:22:50

First of all I am hard of hearing. I deal with both deaf individuals, hard of hearing individuals and hearing individuals on a regular basis. Reading this article I understand where Dr. Batten is comming from with respect to technology's ability to change people's lives and provide opportunities for people with a hearing loss. I do also understand where the anger is comming from with some of the comments that were made.

On thing that I would like to point out is that there supports for people with a hearing loss in general are lacking. The government has made very poor decisions regarding NSD that can not be undone. The education department has not been very proactive in making sure that hearing awareness and supports are in place in the school system for those (such as myself that were mainstreamed). Much work needs to be done in this area.

Finally I would like to say that while I understand how proud deaf people are of their culture, I don't understand the need to belittle those who choose to get a CI and experience sound. That is there right. Everyone has a right to their own choices, and that is something that has to be respected by everyone, hearing or deaf.

Submit a Comment

Irritated bi Ignorance in

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:22:44

Just some observations/comments I would like to make.

Alisha Morrissey: It looks like you opened a can of worms. I bet you were not prepared for this sort of a response, huh?

Dr. Batten: I believe if you took the time to read some of the responses from these highly intellectual individuals who are clearly educated, socialized and receive more than fair compensation for their hard work, you would agree that you owe them an apology.

For supporters of this article: If you took the time to read some of the responses given, you will see that these individuals are deeply offended by the off the cuff remark of how they are substandard members of society. (No one used the term substandard in the article or in some of the responses, but it is a term that I have heard often and I interpreted that thought to have been implied in the article and by some of your responses).
What is being mentioned is that they are contributing members to society whom are helping the economy get back onto track. Perhaps you should go back and take the time out of your busy schedule and fully read some of these responses. You may be surprised.

Richard Roehm from Irvine, California: I think that you too may benefit from sitting down and reading some of the responses from ALL of the individuals who took the time from their busy schedule. I have no doubt that you and your research team feel that you are doing really important work. However, if you perhaps set aside your scientific objectiveness and thought processes and see that D(d)eafness is not a flaw or an abnormality rather it is a rather oppressed community that is SO oppressed that people do not even realise the richness and contributions that it has to offer to society, then perhaps some of your great work can be put to use to eradicate ignorance, oppression and audism. Just a thought.

My first language was ASL, second language, English. I grew up in a community where D(d)eafness regardless or oral, hard-of-hearing, those who have CI or profoundly Deaf
are welcome. I still see evidence of this today in the very community I grew up in. Because of this community that some call subset it is there that I have learned to be welcoming of all walks of life. The Deaf community has no geological boundaries. This should have been clearly evident with the responses from individuals outside of Canada.

Submit a Comment

Bradley

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:22:07

I am not support Cochlear Implant because too many reason I against that issue.

The parents which they have hearing loss kids, you should think twice that American Sign Language is very huge benefit for the communication for bilingual language for ASL and English language. ASL can benefit to leading Deaf kids to education better also help them to fluent language. ASL is very powerful to Deaf kids.

I am not very happy with Government for their system to block our Deaf culture.

NSD is my real home, which I have cherish in my memories. I am glad I did graduated from NSD.

Cochlear Implant can serious cause them some headache in the future. People don't realize it is definitely evident.

I am so glad that I didn't get any CI because one of my doctor told my mom that device is very bad for me. Thank god.

You should think twice to ask Deaf people for their experience. I am not impress with that system.

I am very proud who I am. Deaf culture is very special in my life. People don't understand Deaf culture can lead a better life than CI itself.

It's AWFUL SYSTEM I EVER SEE.

Submit a Comment

Erika

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:49

Me again. I would also like to point out the difference between being hard of hearing and deaf. We are two completely seperate group with 2 completely seperate needs. People who identify themselves as hard of hearing (such as myself) use spoken lanuage as their primary methode of communication. Most wear hearing aids, but some don't depending on the severity. The hard of hearing rely heavily on technologies such as Real Time Captioning and FM system etc for commuication. We interact and socialize in the hearing world and I personally don't consider myself any different that a hearing person only I have certain needs.

The deaf people on the other hand, might wear hearing aids, but might not however their primary methode of communication is sign lanuage so they have a whole different set of needs.

Therefore while the hard of hearing and deaf people both have hearing loss they are two completly different worlds that generally don't identify with each other because of their different experiences and needs.

Submit a Comment

Glenys

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:38

SHAME ON YOU! HOW DARE YOU! Who are you to say deaf culture, sign language is dying! Have you been to other parts of the world besides Newfoundland, take a good look around you, based on all of the comments you see, this proves you are wrong. You may be the only doctor that provides CI for people who have hearing loss but where are your ethics? Where is your neutrality? You of all people, should be neutral when discussing CI vs hearing aids. Get your facts straight before you preach!

The Telegram has failed to mention how Deaf Newfoundlanders had to go out of the country to be given the same opportunities that hearing people are given while living in anywhere in the world. Of course the numbers are declining, all because Newfoundland has failed their deaf citizens, failed them! Newfoundland School for the Deaf USED to be a wonderful school with wonderful staff, I say USED TO BE, as it is not the case anymore, as it is being degraded by idiotic people, like Dr Tony Batten himself!

How dare you say, for chances of better income, for intergration of society that CI would give to them! I am the proof that your statements are false! I myself started out at the Newfoundland School for the Deaf at the age of 4 and half years old, the staff saw that I could do much better and placed me in a mainstream program where eventually I was able to go to a public school, all without use of CI! I myself had to rely on use of my hearing aid and lip reading. I didnt have interpreters back them, but it is all because of NSD, and my family, the staff to get where I am today. As a deaf person, I decided I wanted to go back to the deaf world where I went to college, at RIT, Rochester NY and graduated with Bachelor's degree, shocking aint it!

I am proud of who I am, a very proud DEAF person, who is a part of society, had the best of both worlds, deaf and hearing. I use sign language to communicate with my husband, my hearing children and my friends, as well at my workplace. Shocking, I do work! I work in the state of New Hampshire, as a program coordinator for the only agency for the state of NH, for deaf and hard of hearing people that is run by deaf and hard of hearing people. That something that you wouldnt see in Newfoundland, all because Newfoundland has push their deaf people out of the province, out of the country to find better opportunities!

A motto I hold dear in my life, thanks to Charles Charlie Harkins, who gave me the button when I was 7 years old, A Deaf person can do anything except hear! I King Jordan. I will never forget what NSD and what my family has done for me, if it wasnt for them, I would not be where I am today! Cochelar Implant wouldnt have any input in that whatsoever!

Proud to be DEAF!

Glenys Crane-Emerson
Daughter of George and Gladys Crane,
Riverhead Newfoundland

Submit a Comment

A Patient

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:38

I really think a lot of you are reading this the wrong way. Dr Batten is quoting statistics - he isn't making up this stuff about people with CI's getting higer paying jobs and higher learning. You can see any of that information on stats can, so unless you want to call them 'disgraceful' than I hardly see how Dr. Batten is.

And as for the NSD and Deaf Culture beinf eradicated we know that isn't going to happen. A CI obviously isn't right for everyone. What I think he's trying to say is that with advancing technology and the dept. of education realizing that integration of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students into the regular school system we're seeing less and less parents making the choice for their children to be segregated, and isn't this all about choosing what's best for the person?

I think a lot of these comments are taken horribly out of context, and knowing Dr. Batten I think this is more of a case of choppy quoting at best. I am hard of hearing and I don't find anything here horribly offensive at all!

Submit a Comment

Jessica

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:10

The Telegram failed to address the richness found in Deaf culture, which is shaped by the individual's experience with the Deaf world. This makes the Telegram newspaper an ignorant, and therefore irrelevant newspaper. It insults my intelligence that garbage like being Deaf should affect my ability to succeed how I choose in my life. I am just as happy being a low-paid cleaner as I am attending university. A Deaf person's ability to integrate into society is measured by their social relationships; I have met as many incredibly intelligent and competent Deaf people as I have met stupid and ignorant Deaf people. The disability is irrelevant.

I LOVE BEING DEAF AND WOULD NOT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING.
My world and my culture is the people I love, who are Deaf and Hearing. To me, there is no difference in the quality of love.

Submit a Comment

Gaelen

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:08

Who would want an antenna attached to their freaking skull for the rest of their living life? I would never be part of the hearing society if I had a CI because I wouldn't be able to pronounce words correctly or hearing the conversing partner would be difficult based on the level of my hearing.

I am hard of hearing in one ear, deaf the other, but I label myself as a Deaf individual because I integrated in to the culturally Deaf community at the age of 16. My parents asked me at a young age if I wanted a cochlear implant, to my decision, I obviously said NO; due to the fact I would only hear out of one side of my head and it is expensive, and I often would break it since I had a whacked out temper.

I grew up in the hearing society in elementary school, and those days were the worst in my life due to all kinds of bullying and discrimination from the students, and staff as well. I wouldn't see how getting a cochlear implant would benefit me to actually help me get friends, it would make matters worst because I would have an antenna attached to my head. I think a hearing aid took enough of my time already.

Spoken English was my first language growing up; ASL was my second, starting at age 16. And I think the best way to communicate in this world is through sign language because it expresses itself more then any other language through emotions, facial expressions and body language. Spoken languages only shows emotions (hence yelling or stuttering).

This is all I have to say for now, but if anyone other then Richard Roehm decides to be incompetent, they need to GROW UP!

Submit a Comment

Elaine

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:07

I am deaf lady and born in Newfoundland for 30 years and now live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. My life is great and feel natural human & beatiful sign language and CHERISH A.S.L (Americian Sign Language) to stay forever. The Deaf Culture is very important for their daily lives. I was shocked that Dr Batten trying ruin the Deaf Culture & community. He trying encourage to the children to have cochlear implants and will be suffer to grow up and who the parent control over children to have cochlear implants. The children are very innocent human and when they grow up and have made their right decision. I support for Deaf Community and cherish A.S.L (American Sign Language) and will not going die for future. It is very sad for the children have no power that the parent put their children's suffer.

Submit a Comment

Shery

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:05

According to the doctor assume that America sign language is dying, how come I noticed sign language is growing and more acceptable in public. Unfortunately, I think doctors only had seen oral people everyday. I assume that he wasn't exposed enough in other area in deaf culture.

I use ASL everywhere and people understood that I am deaf and use ASL as primary language. The doctor just is ignorant and see deaf as a disabled that need be fixed. Way doctor wrote about ASL is completely opposite what I see in public especially hearing people are taking ASL courses in college. I had acquired some people in stores knew very little bit about ASL. They were thrilled to communicate with me. It kinda made easier for me sometimes. For instance, I went to walmart and it was about to close. I had nowhere to make a call without a cell. I asked cashier to give me paper and pencil. She suddenly use sign language. So, I give all necessary information, I got a ride, and went home. It is a wonderful. Doctors should have do homework before making a judgment. He is plainly ignorant.

Submit a Comment

Nicole

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:00

Just visiting this again, and wanting to put this out there...

A language is considered dead when there are new things being created, and there is no word made to match.

Blackberry is a fairly new thing, so is the Sidekick. Both have signs.

There are other examples, but I don't need to go into it at length here.

sign language is NOT dying.

Submit a Comment

Jeff

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:20:50

Bradley is a classic example of an old deaf guard who opposes the changes in the future of deaf society.

I am profoundly deaf and I can see the benefits of having a cochlear implant. It gives the great majority of these babies their first awareness of the sounds of speech. They can learn to make sense of those sounds, and ultimately to understand and produce spoken language.

Submit a Comment

Andrea

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:20:35

Wow.. this article is mind-blowing and insulting at the same time. Before I type further, I'm Deaf, non-CI user, ASL user. ASL is American Sign Language, which is well known language among Deafs.

I agree with Kristen on this article for only showing the pros for CI. Trust me, there's are some cons. Sadly, many doctors, like Dr. Batten, only show the pros to the public. I'm sure that all of you know that everything have pros and cons, since no one is perfect. Also, the public has the rights to know the cons. So the article won't mislead the public.

I'm offended by this quote, The school for the deaf is being phased out, he says. Children (with implants) they get better incomes when they graduate, they get higher levels of learning, they integrate into society. I don't realize that I'm idiot? And my income is that low? (Yes, I have a job!!) And I can't intergrate into society? (sorry my family and my friends, I don't know that I am suppose to be loner.) Btw, that was sarcastic comment in case you can't tell. Yes, deafs do know how to be sarcastic. I know it's surprising that we are able to do this.

I'm truly disappointed in this article, it only shows one point of view, where is other view?

I don't think it's anything wrong with being Deaf. It's nice to be different, not be exactly same of other people. Or this world will be a boring place. We have diversity in this world which is races, religions, backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, customs, disabilites, etc. If we eliminate all of those. It would be a dull place to live in. Echhh.

Thanks.

Submit a Comment

kimee

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:20:22

i believe that it is in a doctors best interest to give all the best possible options to a patient. even if it means a CI. But I do not agree with the eradication of deafness. I am studying to become an american sign language interpreter and alot of my close friends are deaf. i think its crazy talk when this article reads sign is a dying language. i love the deaf culture, i think its a beautiful language. i would not dedicate my life to learning the language if i did not think so.

Submit a Comment

Deanna

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:20:21

...these exclusionary approaches violate a childs basic human and linguistic right and have been proven to be ineffective for the majority of Deaf children. Read more about oral, any of device assistance, etc below

You have to act now to protect any kind of Sign Language - do it now in Newfoundland

Read below for an example

www,dbcusa.org

Advocating for Bilingualism-Biculturalism
A Birthright of Every Deaf Infant and Child
We collectively call for an end to intolerance and exlusion of American Sign Language in a Deaf infant and child's life and education.

1. Whereas research has shown that children acquire a natural language, one that is fully accessible, and that exposure to the language needs to happen at an early age.

2. Whereas a fully accessible language means one that is easily perceived and expressed so that the child can acquire it without training. Deaf children are visual children. The primary channel for acquiring language fully and completely is through visual channels.

3. Whereas American Sign Language, ASL is a natural, visual language, which is acquired through natural interactions with others who use the language, and Deaf children acquire it in the same way that children around the globe acquire their native languages. All other methods and approaches that exclude the use of a natural visual language are artificial and inhumane.

4. Whereas exposure to this natural, accessible language is a human and linguistic right and must happen at an early age in order for the childs cognitive skills to develop.

5. Whereas the fluency of ASL has been shown to be the key to ASL and English (functional, critical, and cultural) Literacy for Deaf children and their overall academic development.

6. Whereas keeping a Deaf child away from sign language and Deaf people communicates a denial that the child is Deaf. This type of isolation from language, identity and culture has adverse affects on social and emotional development and self esteem.

7. Whereas many Deaf adults today intimately know the experiences of growing up without accessible language, without the ability to communicate smoothly with their families, and without being able to participate in social situations through oral/aural only methods.

8. Whereas there has been a second wave of Oralism (an oral-aural ONLY mandate) spreading across the U.S., which as been in practice since the Milan Congress of 1880 with an abysmally low rate of success. For Deaf children research and years of experience with oral/auditory only programming has shown that these exclusionary approaches violate a childs basic human and linguistic right and have been proven to be ineffective for the majority of Deaf children (Babbidge Congressional Report 65, Commission on Education of the Deaf Congressional Report 88).

9. Whereas bilingual-bicultural programs have never EXCLUDED English and there is ample research reporting their success. (Drs. Jim Cummins, Tove Skutnabb-Kangas, Laura Petitto, Harlan Lane, Stephen Nover, et al.)

We resolve to advocate for the basic inalienable human right to a natural and fully accessible language to understand and be understood naturally to be a part of the Deaf infants and childs birthright. Be it further resolved, the EXCLUSION of a bilingual-bicultural approach to the Deaf child is no longer a tolerable option for civilized society.

Please sign your name to this PETITION to show your support for the Deaf childs right to ASL and English.

Submit a Comment

Megan

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:20:15

No No No! all wrong!

Submit a Comment

Melissa

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:20:00

Dr. Batten has the courage to speak the truth, and I applaud and thank him for that. I am the parent of two daughters with bilateral cochlear implants, now ages 22 and 14. Their implants in combination with Auditory-Verbal therapy have enabled them to be fully participating members of the hearing world. They communicate with ease using spoken language and do not need an interpreter. They hear so well that they use the phone with no problem and watch and understand movies and TV without captions. This is the wave of the future, and it's a growing wave. In my county, the spoken language programs are mushrooming in the schools, whereas the sign language programs are down to at most two children. The deaf culture is waning because over 90% of deaf babies are born to hearing parents who not only recognize the benefits of hearing and speaking but who also want their children to be a part of their family, their culture and their world, and the cochlear implant makes this possible.

Submit a Comment

Rebekah

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:19:58

I am shocked that such an educated person as Dr. Batten could make such ignorant remarks regarding Deaf Culture and Sign Language. I grew up as a hearing child with a Deaf parent (CODA) and currently work for a Deaf Organization. I certainly don't feel that Sign Language hindered my growth in any way.

Sign Language is currently being utilized by many organizations/programs for hearing AND deaf children. Due to the fact that SIGN LANGUAGE has phenomenal benefits for both cultures. As Dr. Batten himself pointed out, Cochlear Implants are not for everyone depending on the type of hearing loss the person has. I agree with Ms. Connors stating the Pros and Cons should have been listed rather than belittling the Deaf Community. I am sure there are many CI success stories as well as many failures. Both topics should have been discussed.

In regards to the decline in numbers of Deaf students attending NSD, all the information was not provided. Part of that reason is due to integrating Deaf students into hearing schools.

So, my question to the Doctor is:
How do you Eradicate Deafness when Cochlear Implants don't work for everybody (young and old)? Your statement is contradicting. I feel an APOLOGY to the Deaf Community is in order here.

Submit a Comment

David

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:19:47

I am a student at Rochester Institute of Technology which is linked with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. I am a hearing student here, but I have been blessed with many deaf and hard of hearing friends. A warm and loving culture that accepted me and has allowed me to be a part of it.

I have friends who have a CI and those who strongly oppose it. There are definitly pros and cons on both sides, and it does take some getting use to, just like those trying hearing aids for the first time.

ASL is not a dying language, and the deaf culture is not a dying culture. More and more I see it in every major city i have traveled to. Every year I have more hearing friends who are embraced by our comon friends and are given the chance to join in with the deaf and hard of hearing (HH) community.

I think that even given the chance to hear, all people should learn ASL. It is a great helper in learning other languages, and it is a wonderful way to communicate. ASL taught at a young age has the possibility of helping kids be more expressive and to communicate better. It is a language on concept, and helps build an understanding of other languages. Also, what if something happens and the implant runs out of batteries, comes off, or any number of things? ASL should be learned regardless for those times that you really do need to communicate.

Submit a Comment

John

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:18:52

Dr. Batten is not GOD thinking he could remove Deaf Culture from the Earth.

Please read an important version Leviticus 19:14
in the bible book and prove that he is EXTREMELY agnorant
John Warren, Victim by AGB and AVT

Submit a Comment

USA

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:18:42

Children (with implants) they get better incomes when they graduate, they get higher levels of learning, they integrate into society.

WOW, what an insult!! Who do you think we are.. A lot of us have a decent jobs. How can you call yourself a CI Surgeon?

sign language is a dying language. Where have you been? Its one of the language now in the book just like French, Spanish, so go on. How could you say that to our faces?

I am so glad that I do not live in Newfoundland anymore becasue of this cramps. You guys pull the deaf people down. If i happened to be in Nfld, I will be coming to Janeway and find Dr Batten and i would have a serious word with him. You shouldnt be a doctor at all.

Dr. Batten, you are very disgusted, and you have no idea you have hurt our feeling.

Submit a Comment

Hedy

- July 2nd, 2010 at 13:18:30

Dr. Batten has grown a big ego in his head because he is the only one who done CI surgeries in Canada. He makes $$$ off Deaf Children. He put them in a lot of dangers to face the world!

In addition, He is simply an ignorance!

Submit a Comment