Hearing options explained

As an audiologist working in this community for over 20 years with individuals who have received cochlear implants, I felt compelled to respond to the Oct. 5 article, “Spokane private school for the hearing-impaired gives kids a signing chance.”

First, I support families in the hearing and communication options they choose for their children. All children are different and a cochlear implant is not right for everyone. When a child is born into a family with other deaf family members a cochlear implant may not be considered as the family already has an effective language system for the child.

Children born to parents with normal hearing, and that meet strict and validated criteria for cochlear implants, can be offered the opportunity to develop oral language. I would invite you to come speak to the overwhelmingly large majority of children that love to wear their cochlear implants. By listening to their “typical” speech you would have to agree that what they hear is clear.

All children need access to language. The Moose Program is for children whose families need and want a signing option. The HOPE school (which you refer to) is for children whose families need and want an oral option.

Kami Fehlig

Spokane