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Made to Hear: Cochlear Implants and Raising Deaf Children
A mother whose child has had a cochlear implant tells Laura Mauldin why enrollment in the sign language program at her daughter’s school is “The majority of parents want their kids to talk.” Some parents, however, feel very differently, because “curing” deafness with cochlear implants is uncertain, difficult, and freighted with judgment about what is normal, acceptable, and right. Made to Hear sensitively and thoroughly considers the structure and culture of the systems we have built to make deaf children hear. Based on accounts of and interviews with families who adopt the cochlear implant for their deaf children, this book describes the experiences of mothers as they navigate the health care system, their interactions with the professionals who work with them, and the influence of neuroscience on the process. Though Mauldin explains the politics surrounding the issue, her focus is not on the controversy of whether to have a cochlear implant but on the long-term, multiyear undertaking of implantation. Her study provides a nuanced view of a social context in which science, technology, and medicine are trusted to vanquish disability—and in which mothers are expected to use these tools. Made to Hear reveals that implantation has the central goal of controlling the development of the deaf child’s brain by boosting synapses for spoken language and inhibiting those for sign language, placing the politics of neuroscience front and center. Examining the consequences of cochlear implant technology for professionals and parents of deaf children, Made to Hear shows how certain neuroscientific claims about neuroplasticity, deafness, and language are deployed to encourage compliance with medical technology.
- GenresNonfictionDisability
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 4, 2017
A must for parents of deaf and hard of hearing kids
I highly recommend this book as someone who was deafened at 2 from an illness, raised oral, using sign language in a school for deaf, attending mainstream, schools as the only deaf person without any formal support services, attending universities and finally using access services. I'm a profoundly deaf whom hearing aids were of no use and currently use a cochlear implant. I'm also fluent in ASL as a fifth language and I'm a foreign born but my deafness didn't prevent me from mastering English as a foreign language. I find it sad about division between oral and signing cultures and feel that everyone needs to get along. As a deaf adult, I believe in using all communication options whenever possible and not limiting to just one.
I highly recommend this book as someone who was deafened at 2 from an illness, raised oral, using sign language in a school for deaf, attending mainstream, schools as the only deaf person without any formal support services, attending universities and finally using access services. I'm a profoundly deaf whom hearing aids were of no use and currently use a cochlear implant. I'm also fluent in ASL as a fifth language and I'm a foreign born but my deafness didn't prevent me from mastering English as a foreign language. I find it sad about division between oral and signing cultures and feel that everyone needs to get along. As a deaf adult, I believe in using all communication options whenever possible and not limiting to just one.
September 27, 2022
I would recommend this to all parents to deaf children, however, I think it should be paired with a book like Train Go Sorry or some prior knowledge of deaf culture. Many of the parents here have been isolated from Deaf culture and have preconceived notions about it. If one were to read this book with no knowledge on Deaf Education they might not pick up on the subtleties, noticing when parents were told factually incorrect statements or what the results of language deprivation look like. Many children with CIs grow up happy and content, but many also learn sign later resent their CIs and parents for forcing them into oralism.
This is hands down a fantastic book, I couldn’t put it down, I would just suggest a familiarity with Deaf Culture, History and Education first. And not all programs look like this, the bimodal model is more and more popular!
This is hands down a fantastic book, I couldn’t put it down, I would just suggest a familiarity with Deaf Culture, History and Education first. And not all programs look like this, the bimodal model is more and more popular!
May 31, 2024
it was fine. like good and interesting in content, but it felt boring to read
6/10?
6/10?
May 11, 2026
Cochlear Implant and Raising Deaf Children: A Parent’s Honest Guide
Hearing that your child is deaf or hard of hearing can bring a mix of emotions — confusion, fear, hope, and many questions about the future. One of the first topics many parents hear about is the cochlear implant. At the same time, they begin learning what it truly means to raise a deaf child.
The journey is deeply personal. Some families choose cochlear implants, some focus on sign language, and many combine both approaches. What matters most is giving the child strong communication, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is a medical device designed for people with severe or profound hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, a cochlear implant works by sending sound signals directly to the auditory nerve.
The system includes:
An external sound processor
An internal device placed during surgery
For many children, cochlear implants can improve access to sound and spoken language. However, outcomes are different for every child. Some children develop strong spoken communication, while others rely on both speech and sign language.
A cochlear implant is not a “cure” for deafness. It is a tool that may help a child interact with sound in a different way.
Raising a Deaf Child Is About Communication, Not Limitations
One of the biggest misconceptions is that deaf children cannot live full or successful lives. In reality, deaf children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally when they have access to language and support from an early age.
Parents often focus heavily on hearing technology at first, but the real priority should be communication.
Children need:
Love and emotional connection
Consistent language exposure
Social interaction
Confidence and independence
Supportive education
Whether communication happens through speech, sign language, or both, early language development is essential.
Why Many Families Use Both Cochlear Implants and Sign Language
Some parents worry that learning sign language may slow speech development. However, many experts and deaf advocates believe the opposite is true.
Sign language gives children immediate access to communication while spoken language skills are developing. It can reduce frustration and strengthen family bonding.
Families who use both approaches often find that:
Children communicate earlier
Emotional expression improves
Learning becomes easier
Communication stress decreases
Even children with successful cochlear implants may still benefit from sign language in noisy environments, classrooms, or social settings.
Emotional Challenges Parents May Experience
Raising a deaf child can feel overwhelming in the beginning. Parents may face:
Pressure to make quick medical decisions
Concerns about speech and education
Financial stress from therapy and devices
Fear about the child’s future
These feelings are common. Connecting with other parents, deaf adults, and support groups can make the journey easier and more informed.
It is also important to remember that deafness is not something that prevents a child from having a happy and meaningful life.
Education Choices for Deaf Children
Every family approaches education differently. Some children attend mainstream schools with hearing students, while others thrive in deaf schools or bilingual programs.
Educational support may include:
Speech therapy
Captioning services
Classroom listening systems
Sign language interpreters
Specialized teachers
The best learning environment depends on the child’s communication style and emotional comfort.
The Importance of Deaf Culture
Many parents are introduced to Deaf culture after their child’s diagnosis. The Deaf community is rich in language, traditions, identity, and shared experiences. # https://nissmelodious.com/
Hearing that your child is deaf or hard of hearing can bring a mix of emotions — confusion, fear, hope, and many questions about the future. One of the first topics many parents hear about is the cochlear implant. At the same time, they begin learning what it truly means to raise a deaf child.
The journey is deeply personal. Some families choose cochlear implants, some focus on sign language, and many combine both approaches. What matters most is giving the child strong communication, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is a medical device designed for people with severe or profound hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, a cochlear implant works by sending sound signals directly to the auditory nerve.
The system includes:
An external sound processor
An internal device placed during surgery
For many children, cochlear implants can improve access to sound and spoken language. However, outcomes are different for every child. Some children develop strong spoken communication, while others rely on both speech and sign language.
A cochlear implant is not a “cure” for deafness. It is a tool that may help a child interact with sound in a different way.
Raising a Deaf Child Is About Communication, Not Limitations
One of the biggest misconceptions is that deaf children cannot live full or successful lives. In reality, deaf children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally when they have access to language and support from an early age.
Parents often focus heavily on hearing technology at first, but the real priority should be communication.
Children need:
Love and emotional connection
Consistent language exposure
Social interaction
Confidence and independence
Supportive education
Whether communication happens through speech, sign language, or both, early language development is essential.
Why Many Families Use Both Cochlear Implants and Sign Language
Some parents worry that learning sign language may slow speech development. However, many experts and deaf advocates believe the opposite is true.
Sign language gives children immediate access to communication while spoken language skills are developing. It can reduce frustration and strengthen family bonding.
Families who use both approaches often find that:
Children communicate earlier
Emotional expression improves
Learning becomes easier
Communication stress decreases
Even children with successful cochlear implants may still benefit from sign language in noisy environments, classrooms, or social settings.
Emotional Challenges Parents May Experience
Raising a deaf child can feel overwhelming in the beginning. Parents may face:
Pressure to make quick medical decisions
Concerns about speech and education
Financial stress from therapy and devices
Fear about the child’s future
These feelings are common. Connecting with other parents, deaf adults, and support groups can make the journey easier and more informed.
It is also important to remember that deafness is not something that prevents a child from having a happy and meaningful life.
Education Choices for Deaf Children
Every family approaches education differently. Some children attend mainstream schools with hearing students, while others thrive in deaf schools or bilingual programs.
Educational support may include:
Speech therapy
Captioning services
Classroom listening systems
Sign language interpreters
Specialized teachers
The best learning environment depends on the child’s communication style and emotional comfort.
The Importance of Deaf Culture
Many parents are introduced to Deaf culture after their child’s diagnosis. The Deaf community is rich in language, traditions, identity, and shared experiences. # https://nissmelodious.com/
March 17, 2024
A really interesting sociological book examining the impact of society’s expectations and norms on why people implant their children… but doesn’t go far enough. Although the author is clearly critical of the choice to implant, she fails to discuss the deaf community perspective in any sort of depth or to draw conclusions.
December 16, 2018
I enjoyed this book, even though it took me a while to read because of how busy I am. But I appreciate the care put into it, and it is something I can see looking back to in the future.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews