Cochlear implants : yesterday, today, and tomorrow : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Welage, Michelle N.
Advisor
McMillan, Jeanne K.
Issue Date
2010
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The cochlear implant is a modern medical marvel. Since its invention, the cochlear implant has given the gift of hearing to thousands of people with hearing impairments. Most people could never imagine life without sound, and thanks to the cochlear implant, far fewer people will ever have to experience it. This thesis gives an in-depth glance into this amazing device, providing a greater understanding of the significant impact it has upon society. The first part of the thesis explains the cochlear implant's history, the professionals who pioneered the device, the early models of the cochlear implant, as well as the limitations of those models, giving one a better understanding of the difficulty early professionals endured in an effort to make sound available to those who had never experienced it. The next section of the thesis provides a detailed view of how the device works, the candidacy process, the surgery, the cochlear implant team, orientation to the implant, the products available today, the concept of bilateral implants, the cost of ownership, current attitudes toward the implant, and personal stories about life with an implant, helping to provide a sense of what the device means to today's society. The last part of this thesis offers a glimpse into the future of the cochlear implant, looking at where the technology is headed and inspiring hope that, one day, all people will be able to achieve normal hearing and hearing impairments will be a flaw of the past. Finally, a reminder of how this fits into my life and career will help me to use what I have learned through the research to attain overall competence in my work as a professional speech-pathologist.