Abstract:
There are two models used in the literature to describe those who are d/Deaf, the medical and the cultural model. The medical model considers deafness to be an unwanted disability that needs to be fixed through the use of medical devices like Cochlear Implants (CIs). The cultural model describes the term Deaf, with a capital "D", as a culture and a privilege, with a strong emphasis on highlighting the importance of sign language and Deaf culture. While previously the Deaf community has been strongly opposed to cochlear implantation in children, more recently, some members have called for a bilingual and bicultural approach to CI rehabilitation. This research aimed to seek a current opinion from deaf, hard-of-hearing and culturally Deaf people in New Zealand on the paediatric CI debate. This will lead to a better understanding of ways to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and medical profession in New Zealand and to consider what is best for the deaf child. An online questionnaire was developed to explore views of deaf, culturally Deaf, and hard-of-hearing people in New Zealand about the use of CIs with children. Comparison was made between groups depending on whether they considered themselves to be culturally Deaf or not. Results of this study suggest that, while the medical model of deafness is continuously evolving and improving, cultural and social considerations are equally valid. This research does not conclude whether a deaf child should receive a CI or not, as this is a highly individualised decision. It does, however, highlight the multitude of cultural and non-cultural factors that need to be considered in both the decision-making and rehabilitation processes for treatment of a deaf child.