The topic chosen for this assignment is the cochlear implant debate. This electronic device is designed for those that deal with the loss of their hearing (2). A receiver/stimulator is embedded in the bone of the skull and an electrode array is inserted into the cochlea of the ear (3). Then, a speech processor is worn externally behind the ear and a microphone is worn on the head in close proximity ot the ear (3). The use of cochlear implants are significant seeing as though this surgery is now widespread across Canada in hearing impaired infants and children (1). Eligibility for this surgery is generally asses by a team of professions which compose of a surgeon, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, psychologist and a social worker (3). Surgery is dependent on the following factors: the age of the child, the severity of their hearing loss, developmental abilities, the ultimate motivation of the child and family and the extent of family support available (3).
This debate is very significant to the field of diverse needs in Canada because as of the summer of 2011, anywhere between 2,100 and 2,350 Canadian children have cochlear implants (3). Also, this surgery and device is fully funded under the provincial health budget in all of the provinces (3).