Deaf Culture Is Shifting As Hearing Tech Gains Traction (HBO)

Synopsis

Each year, an average of 24,000 American children are born deaf or hard of hearing. Today, over 40 percent of these children receive cochlear implants, which can significantly restore their hearing. This technology is transformative for families, but it raises concerns about the future of Deaf culture, particularly American Sign Language. Four-year-old Miriam, who was born severely deaf, receives hearing aids early on and attends a school with hearing children. Her parents choose not to teach her sign language. After her cochlear implant surgery, Miriam's implants are activated, allowing her to hear sounds for the first time. The activation process shows her responding to sounds, indicating potential improvements in her hearing and speech understanding. Data suggests that she may catch up to her peers within a couple of years, as cochlear implants are effective in over 80 percent of cases and are typically covered by insurance.