tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post6839520269925359476..comments2023-11-05T04:58:54.173-05:00Comments on An American Mom in Tuscany: Jordan's Cochlear Implant Story: Deaf Community Phased Out?? My Reply to Drolz:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437710259566671762noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-44380590423816575402008-12-23T14:36:00.000-05:002008-12-23T14:36:00.000-05:00Same to you--Nadolig Llawen ac Bleddwyn Newydd Da,...Same to you--Nadolig Llawen ac Bleddwyn Newydd Da, and all that <BR/>;-) This is our first white Christmas in ages. Seattle weather is usually temperate. I'm going out to build a snowman now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-87522664392958693052008-12-23T06:32:00.000-05:002008-12-23T06:32:00.000-05:00We haven't had a white xmas for many years as I re...We haven't had a white xmas for many years as I recall. But a merry one yes, which I extend to everyone here Nadolig Llawen ac Bleddwyn Newydd Da, which is self explantory really (Albeit a lot less merry if you are a Turkey :) )mervynjames224https://www.blogger.com/profile/06689615164654187617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-72366947810679204872008-12-22T18:44:00.000-05:002008-12-22T18:44:00.000-05:00I'm not sure how common cueing is in Europe, but i...I'm not sure how common cueing is in Europe, but it truly enhances communication for all within the deaf community, and can be universally used with any language. It helps Deaf, kids with CI's, the late-deafened and HH. It's not really a language but a code that uses simple hand signs for corresponding phenomes in any language. It's not as popular here on the westcoast as it is on the eastcoast of the US, but it's gaining a foothold because of its versatility. The one drawback for now is its hard to find cueing interpreters. <BR/><BR/>I see this as up and coming because of the increase in the late-deafened populations, and also b/c of the number of Deaf children being implanted. Cueing is easier to learn than ASL because you use your native language with it, and there are far fewer signs to learn. It's more of a 'code' that one uses simultaneously with their primary language rather than a language in itself. <BR/><BR/>You're absolutely right about the growing late=deafened population. Statistically 2/3 of all deaf people worldwide have acquired deafness after learning to speak. It's the same with all disabilities. Few people are born disabled. The majority acquire a disability (whether blindness, paralyzation, or deafness) after birth due to accident, illness and genetics. Also many born HH become more deaf over time. In my case I've had progressive hearing loss since my early teens, due ti illness. With baby-boomers hitting their early 60s this year there's been a marked increase in hearing aid sales. You can see the impact on hearing aids themselves. Suddenly they've become really snazzy looking. Oticon doesn't even call their aids hearing aids anymore because of the bad connotation. They call them "hearing devices" Those of us who have worn hearing aids forever couldn't care less if people notice we've got a thing in our ears. All we want is something that helps us hear. BTW telecoil has been eliminated in their Oticons Epoq in favor of bluetooth streaming. Telecoil takes up too much space. Bernafon (maybe more popular in Europe?) is Oticons sister company. They recently won awards for their bean shaped aid. I have concerns that the looks of the newer model aids is taking precedence over functionality, but that's for another blog. When I was at the IFHOH last summer, a lot of Europeans were up in arms over it because the telecoil technology is is widespread in many of their public buildings.<BR/><BR/>I would love to see cueing expanded because its the only langauge system that could address ALL our needs in the deaf community. And yeah-- the late-deafened need MORE SUPPORT. Kids get their support through schools. We have nothing, except HLAA and ALDA here. <BR/><BR/>It has warmed up to around 0 here now. Still snowing. I've been stuck inside for days, except the few walks I've taken around the neighborhood. It's quite nice-- and relaxing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-36070557105335401392008-12-22T15:25:00.000-05:002008-12-22T15:25:00.000-05:00I didn't actually find that being ID'd as late-dea...I didn't actually find that being ID'd as late-deafened prior to my total deafness, did anything but ID the loss, as there was no recognized system of support. The issue in the UK at least, is that we are literally forced to utilize services designed almost exclusively for the born deaf and sign using sector.<BR/><BR/>Since the support sector is a conundrum in that it ID's deaf people as needing sign language. erm NOT the case with late deafened initially, they need a hell of a lot more counseling and communication alternatives, which they aren't offered because the system doesn't really understand those needs.<BR/><BR/>The UK has just ONE set up established in ONE area of the UK that can assist those who are having issues going deaf and need training and support strategies to help them (LINK). And it is dependent on charity ! The most people it could support at any one time is just about double figures (!), and the assist is about 14 days. It's good and helps but you need a year at least to come to terms with deafness after hearing, and to examine your options and which is best for you.<BR/><BR/>I doubt with the best will in the world that 2 weeks is anything like much use at all, given there are THOUSANDS of people acquiring deafness, and the ipod users queuing up behind them to go deaf !<BR/><BR/>This potential bombshell of people going deaf (And that doesn't include an older population living longer and hearing less too, are due to start flooding the 'Deaf cultural' areas, they are going to drastically re-arrange it to suit those needs, one doubts culture will come anywhere near 3rd in their priorities.<BR/><BR/>We will truly be a community, but it will be held together via loss issues and not language or culture. I suspect most elderly people will not have the will or the wherewithal to study ASL/BSL or feel it worthwhile bothering. They will monopolize the support area, and they won't be wanting sign language. Their sheer numerical superiority will force that through too..<BR/><BR/>But at lest it's lot warmer where you are :) It's about 10 British degrees here (Which is practically a heatwave in our terms lol).... we're only happy when it is freezing and raining... Last time the sun came out here, most Of Britain thought Armageddon had started....mervynjames224https://www.blogger.com/profile/06689615164654187617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-64773657164287049382008-12-22T05:53:00.000-05:002008-12-22T05:53:00.000-05:00This affects the late-deafened base as well, becau...This affects the late-deafened base as well, because we are STILL unable to convince the system there are 'deaf', we are all 'Deaf' and sign, and the success of that message and image has meant our future is very much bound up with theirs, but they aren't interested in what we need, we are second-class passengers on a cultural train journey...<BR/><BR/>This may change with the addition of AHEAD-Adult Hearing Screening Programs that would include a mandatory hearing check as part of a standard check up. Hopefully, more late-deafened individuals will be identified and assisted. The growth in this population may begin affecting the political situation and awareness...hopefully.<BR/>Cheers!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11437710259566671762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-11040410122439664692008-12-22T04:50:00.000-05:002008-12-22T04:50:00.000-05:00Well Kim, I have ALWAYS Advocated late-deafened an...Well Kim, I have ALWAYS Advocated late-deafened and those near deaf have been major contributors, not only to deaf cultural advancement but in running and organizing the deaf group ethos too. It's why I had the bee in the bonnet about deaf history and such, our contributions are ignored as of no account. E.G, Beethoven was ours, he was never a cultural icon, he never knew sign language or deaf culture.<BR/><BR/>I do sadly see the dedicated sign users further and further isolating themselves into a corner, in the UK again this resulted in the largest deaf and HH charity in the the UK having NO sign users on its senior staff or in ANY Position to organize their own support and empowerment via direct input. It's why myself and the 'Regent' blogger are so determined to raise the warning flags. We do it as much for ourselves as late-deafened as for cultural deaf, indeed all of us.<BR/><BR/>There are cries via bravado who needs anyone etc, the fact remains many require their translation services, and funds to keep their cultural systems going, technological advances and researches, and non-involvement is depleting that and zeroing the 'Deaf' base. <BR/><BR/>This affects the late-deafened base as well, because we are STILL unable to convince the system there are 'deaf', we are all 'Deaf' and sign, and the success of that message and image has meant our future is very much bound up with theirs, but they aren't interested in what we need, we are second-class passengers on a cultural train journey...<BR/><BR/>Perhaps the reason we see drives for a 'CI Culture' or even a 'HH culture' ? the need to separate who is what so the supportive and access systems meet the diversity of need. <BR/><BR/>All deaf people sign, has destroyed our access and campaigning bases, and pit us against each other as we vie for recognition. Strangely and despite all this hype, they are none better off for it, and are reduced to dependency again, since they have little input or control over it, they are NOT empowered..<BR/><BR/>I'm wondering if the drive for Independence is stronger with us than with 'Deaf' ?mervynjames224https://www.blogger.com/profile/06689615164654187617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-42056716495636493812008-12-21T19:04:00.000-05:002008-12-21T19:04:00.000-05:00I'll go for the cappucino Jodi. I can't drink. M...I'll go for the cappucino Jodi. I can't drink. My head. Storm wasn't nearly as bad as predicted, but I do have over 12 inches of snow in my yard now, plus it's still snowing. <BR/><BR/>MM- I prefer the word community applies to all of us. Here's a web definition of community--<BR/><BR/>2a. A group of people having common interests: the scientific community; the international business community. <BR/>2b. A group viewed as forming a distinct segment of society: the gay community; the community of color. <BR/>2c. Similarity or identity: a community of interests. <BR/>Sharing, participation, and fellowship.<BR/><BR/>Common interests include need for accommodations, visual communication (whether sign, cueing, or lip reading) Most of us enjoy socializing with other 'deafies' There are numerous organizations for that. <BR/><BR/>I would say several organizations drive us-- Here in America it would be the NAD, HLAA (CHHA in Canada) and ALDA. who continually promote equal access, and the majority membership in all those organizations are deaf, not Deaf. Also we can't forget Gallaudet. Worldwide there are the IFHOH Conferences and World Federation of the Deaf.<BR/><BR/>One point about Deaf culture. In America, many of those who are considered "Deaf Heroes" of the past were actually oral deaf who didn't use ASL. A lot of them were late-deafened. Some of them absolutely refused to use ASL. Robert Weitbrecht is one, but also Erasmus Smith, Juliette Low, Thomas Edison, Cal Rodgers-- all late-deafened who didn't sign. I could name several more, but don't want to make this overly long. If they had lived today, they would all be considered HH or deaf, not Deaf. In fact, I've been inspired by what deaf people of the past have accomplished! :-) We're in good company.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-40493041485326799762008-12-21T12:55:00.000-05:002008-12-21T12:55:00.000-05:00MM, don't know if you realize this, but I live in ...MM, don't know if you realize this, but I live in Italy *smile* I was thinkin' about a Guinness lol.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11437710259566671762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-15423220891564674442008-12-21T12:54:00.000-05:002008-12-21T12:54:00.000-05:00MM, don't know if you realize this, but I live in ...MM, don't know if you realize this, but I live in Italy *smile* I was thinkin' about a Guinness lol.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11437710259566671762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-51165586562816722552008-12-21T12:40:00.000-05:002008-12-21T12:40:00.000-05:00So long as it is not that American rubbish that pa...So long as it is not that American rubbish that passes for beer, I'm game :) three things Brits do well, decent beer, decent tea, and sending our people there to make America what it is lol........ We've got Welsh people on your declaration of Independence, and, who fought and died at the Alamo too, Davie Crockett has welsh heritage.. (Merthyr Tydfil), I met a relative there. If you come across anyone who lives in Los Angeles give me a buzz, I am trying to trace a bloke buried there in 1902 ! I have distant relatives in Pennsylvania somewhere...mervynjames224https://www.blogger.com/profile/06689615164654187617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-71619785683790807652008-12-21T08:06:00.000-05:002008-12-21T08:06:00.000-05:00MM...how 'bout a pint???MM...how 'bout a pint???Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11437710259566671762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-45590011581390424022008-12-21T07:54:00.000-05:002008-12-21T07:54:00.000-05:00Never drink coffee lol It's an American import I d...Never drink coffee lol It's an American import I don't agree with :) I think you blotted your copy book by throwing our tea away in Boston...... :)mervynjames224https://www.blogger.com/profile/06689615164654187617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-15539477718209547902008-12-21T06:20:00.000-05:002008-12-21T06:20:00.000-05:00Can I offer you guys a cup of cappuccino? *smile* ...Can I offer you guys a cup of cappuccino? *smile* JodiAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11437710259566671762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-79810709655610234932008-12-21T05:04:00.000-05:002008-12-21T05:04:00.000-05:00If deaf culture is comprised of mostly and of erst...If deaf culture is comprised of mostly and of erstwhile hearing people, then where is the core of it ? I KNOW there are many at deaf.read and indeed at UK social and deaf sites, where the majority of them are not from the born deaf area. <BR/><BR/>Indeed the 'non-Deaf' pretty much run everything with hearing ! In that respect it is almost impossible to identify who really is part of the 'Deaf' culture, or what constitutes its membership, also, who takes it forward.<BR/><BR/>A pie-chart may still give no indication at all, because of these 'overlaps' it is virtually impossible tell. I'd agree there is a very small sector of deaf people who are born that way, it's far from clear what part they are playing in the image of deaf culture, given they are such a minor part of it, other than they are there.<BR/><BR/>They can justifiably claim they are deaf from the word go, but a culture and community is more than just deafness, we, and they, have already decided profound deafness has no bearing on it in a clinical sense.<BR/><BR/>What takes it forward is the contribution of all its 'memberships' from the born-deaf variety to the HH.<BR/><BR/>With these memberships constantly being blurred by the overlaps, time we just accepted we are all in this together. OK (A) is born deaf (B) acquires it, (C) is in between (D) has a modicum of hearing via environmental aids and CIs.<BR/><BR/>But we ALL contribute to whatever the 'culture' is, and constitute its make up, I prefer 'community' to culture as a term.. I think the point being made is born-deaf from the deaf school areas no longer 'own' it. <BR/><BR/>We have all adapted it to our own circumstances. Really in 'Deaf' terms this is a huge ADVANTAGE, as it allows for considerable numerical clout to be use to gain access and equalities, sadly we are still neutered by divisions, and demands for lines to be drawn over who is 'In', and who isn't.<BR/><BR/>We could be a considerable power to be reckoned with if we buried the hatchets. Hence why official systems are more than willing to accept the division by decibel too. Culture, has given them an ally, it helps divide, and division contributes to rule doesn't it ?mervynjames224https://www.blogger.com/profile/06689615164654187617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-30420136516141040942008-12-20T14:59:00.000-05:002008-12-20T14:59:00.000-05:00Hi Jennifer,In the past deaf children often felt l...Hi Jennifer,<BR/>In the past deaf children often felt left out in their own families. I think it would be too much to expect a mom of triplets to take up ASL. I'm happy for your son and you, that he'll grow up feeling included. :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-8309751162605382862008-12-20T14:56:00.000-05:002008-12-20T14:56:00.000-05:00MM,When I was talking about 'charting', I meant ch...MM,<BR/>When I was talking about 'charting', I meant charting the success of the CI, not everyone within the deaf community. <BR/><BR/>I see the deaf community as a pie. The Deaf are but one piece. The late-deafened are another. The oral deaf are another. The HH are another. And there are many other pieces. And yes, there's a lot of overlap because you can fit into several categories at once. If you need something to help you hear, if you need any kind of accommodations for your deafness, even if you need these accommodations and are in denial about it-- you are part of the deaf community. MOST of us are hearing culture, even though we're part of the deaf community. The vast majority of deaf people are hearing culture. But there's still a Deaf culture within our community who don't fit into hearing culture. That's how I see it.<BR/><BR/>We're gonna have the blizzard of a lifetime in a few hours. It's 17 degrees F.- (-8C). We have ten inches of snow in our yard, and they're predicting more plus high winds that will knock out power. I need to get off and may be done here for awhile.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-43953650300880734062008-12-20T13:17:00.000-05:002008-12-20T13:17:00.000-05:00I didn't have time to read all the comments but th...I didn't have time to read all the comments but this discussion is very interesting to me. My son, one of set of triplets, was born deaf into a hearing family. He has bilateral CI's since 13 months. There is so much discussion on fitting in and being part of a community. For me, the greatest thing I have witnessed is my son being part of his own little "triplet" community. Before he could hear he was often on the outside looking in at his brothers. This broke my heart. Now, he is truly part of this trio. He is right in the mix of everything. Playing games, talking, fighting. Doing exactly what the three of them should be doing.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14265953831090933158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-54796906176601007362008-12-20T05:01:00.000-05:002008-12-20T05:01:00.000-05:00So the argument is NOT about who is cultural at al...So the argument is NOT about who is cultural at all ? It is about declaring your individual status within the whole sphere of loss and communications. Basically if you aren't 'In' then you are out ? <BR/><BR/>It is the quest eternal of an ID ? Are CI People Deaf or deaf ? Are semi-hearing ASL using people Deaf or deaf ? Dianez appears to state that so long as the experience is shared,then you are 'Deaf', even if you hear, although others doubt CI people fit that area.<BR/><BR/>But this too is not an exact science is it ? as we can all share the similar experience of deafness, of sign language and even the deaf clubs and educational establishments, I've done it, and been hearing half my life.... <BR/><BR/>So this 'chart' will have to differentiate between which club or school is real too ? In the UK deaf are mostly mainstreamed to a much higher degree than Americans are. This 'shared experience' then becomes a little blurred. <BR/><BR/>I think the old definition of what is a deaf and cultural person has gone by the board, certainly from where I am standing it changed 30 years ago considerably. <BR/><BR/>Deaf culture whatever it is (We still don't know as definitions vary by the week), is now hugely dependent on support from hearing, from the CI people, from the Hard of Hearing, from the state, and from charities. Whatever it is, it is not a stand-alone culture that operates independently, it would have considerable difficulty operating at all without the back up stated, indeed culture developed via a hearing decision to force them all into special deaf schools. That gave culture a base to develop.. <BR/><BR/>The irony is, without that back up, then a more 'true' definition of deaf culture would be clear, because they would be forced to develop that culture to help themselves, which is no longer the real case, with all that help to go independent, this is the crux of 'Deaf' debates and why there is some opposition to access that means there is no need for deaf to meet and greet as they did in number, here is one very obvious example. <BR/><BR/>In part I understand where the hardline cultural deaf come from, since the appearance is to suggest the realities, in many respects they are finding it harder and harder to find reasons for not using access, when they have demanded it for themselves. <BR/><BR/>They did not understand that, access, means culture would then come under intense fire, from inclusion policies, and now are trying to back pedal in case culture is lost in real terms, if you cannot tell one deaf person from another then that's it isn't it ? <BR/><BR/>In the UK the 'Deaf' have already lost control over sign language. Culture is now everything for everyone, or, nothing at all... Is that so terrible to contemplate ?mervynjames224https://www.blogger.com/profile/06689615164654187617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-31066244916198153142008-12-19T18:36:00.000-05:002008-12-19T18:36:00.000-05:00Valhallian,I don't see a problem as long as they c...Valhallian,<BR/>I don't see a problem as long as they compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges on their charts. Yes-- it DOES make a big difference what population you chart re the implants. But enough have been implanted by now, they could easily comprise three charts-- one for late-deaf, one for deafened pre-lingual children and one for pre-lingual Deaf adults implanted as adults.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-22644597036338703032008-12-19T17:42:00.000-05:002008-12-19T17:42:00.000-05:00I agree. Moreover, the D, d and HH divisions only...I agree. Moreover, the D, d and HH divisions only serve to confuse the public, which is already terribly confused about D/deafness and hearing loss. <BR/><BR/>There's really a lot of overlap among all three. I get that the Deaf have a different culture, but we're really just one deaf community.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13093639101711800065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-65919514952656943892008-12-19T14:42:00.000-05:002008-12-19T14:42:00.000-05:00Exactly!! it's the same thing with D an d. It ju...Exactly!! it's the same thing with D an d. It just divides. I would never use it. I am starting to look down at people that make arguments based on D or d (I'm sorry, but I'm being very frank here.) It is just so ridiculous. I am considered a D by many, yet, am considered a d by those that do not know me. See my point? <BR/><BR/>The argument Tony had over at his site in regards to Jodi's wording of Deaf is just preposterous. Silly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-61335073681728674412008-12-19T13:52:00.000-05:002008-12-19T13:52:00.000-05:00MM, just to answer your question: I'd consider the...MM, just to answer your question: I'd consider the ASL-using person that hears very well with hearing aids part of the Deaf community. Why? He uses ASL, and he came seeking companionship of other ASL-using people.<BR/><BR/>If anyone proposes criteria like the above, it will automatically attract criticism and revision. The word "community" is so open to many definitions.<BR/><BR/>What matters is ease of communication with one another. That requires more than just a language; it requires a certain amount of skill, flexibility, shared experiences and simpatico.Dianrezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07077219189139398901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-20289841346449118532008-12-19T11:55:00.000-05:002008-12-19T11:55:00.000-05:00I get tired of the endless debate on who is what i...I get tired of the endless debate on who is what in the deaf world. Who cares basically ? What is important is none of us are going to move forward because these arguments will always hold us back.<BR/><BR/>As I stated, culture is not a continual and hereditary issue regarding deaf people, there just are not enough to carry that concept through as a cultural community today.<BR/><BR/>As the re-invented wheel it stays with those here, and those now to determine the make up and eligibility of it, as new deaf come in, new educational concepts are put in place, inclusion policies, new forms of access, and new means to acquire some hearing does. <BR/><BR/>None of it really is based on what went before.... the deaf then just did not have that.<BR/><BR/>The only answer is for us to all accept each other as deaf people in a deaf community, If they want to argue which part of it is 'real', I don't want in thanks, it's got very boring and is highly divisive because they will never agree as it stands...<BR/><BR/>Who developed culture ? deaf did, and we are ALL to a degree deaf.. and all share the same issues, even if communication is varied. The obsession with titles and labels is very debilitating. Perhaps some feel by driving in these wedges they preserve their own status quo, WRONG ! it just isolates then again.mervynjames224https://www.blogger.com/profile/06689615164654187617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-35724144214635644522008-12-19T09:24:00.000-05:002008-12-19T09:24:00.000-05:00I would imagine it would be somewhat difficult to ...I would imagine it would be somewhat difficult to come up with a mere chart when there are so many different variables. To name a couple....<BR/><BR/>We all know that it is significantly easier when comparing babies and adults due to the dry sponge and wet sponge concept.<BR/><BR/>For adults results would different greatly between those who never really heard anything as opposed to one who became late deafened.<BR/><BR/>I could try to name more examples but unfortunately have to head out to work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854575870070704513.post-75245964341805510872008-12-19T04:27:00.000-05:002008-12-19T04:27:00.000-05:00MM, I would like to see a chart with various acco...MM, <BR/><BR/>I would like to see a chart with various accommodations listed, as well as phone use and musical enjoyment. It wouldn't be hard to do for the late-deafened, and would give us a clear picture of how much benefit people get from the CI. Can you use a cell phone? Or do you still rely on texting? Can you watch TV without captions or is that impossible? Do you go to the movies when there are no captions? Can you hear your doorbell? <BR/><BR/>As far as success, I think probably anyone who hears better with the implant than they did with hearing aids is a success. If the implant has to be removed because of pain, or if it's not working properly to the point it requires another surgery soon after implantation, then that would be a failure. I know someone who was implanted several months ago. It hasn't even been a year and she needs a new surgery to fix it already, because of scar tissue that developed and pushed out the electrodes. I would call that a failure, though she was hearing well for a few months before the scar tissue started causing problems. I would like to know how often this kind of thing happens.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13093639101711800065noreply@blogger.com