DEAF TRUTH: For Hearing Parents with Deaf Child(ren)

[TheRoseOak]

I thanked my parent tons for give up their hometown to move to other state just for me to go to deaf school and they both learn ASL really well. They even have my young sister learn sign lauanage first before she learn how to speak. I was day student all my life and get all love and commuication from them.

I knew a deaf guy he got CI when he was 2 years old and he is suffer with sizures since that time.

[amberdibble]

I know there are many parents who choose CI to make it easier on their selves but not all of us are like that. I am taking every step to make my son bilingual as well as bi-cultural. ASL is incorporated into our lives just as much as spoken word is. My 2 year old who is hearing signs. We play games with voices off and just the use of sign.

[amberdibble]

They can play sports just like any other child. In fact the deaf school he attends has sports teams. By choosing the CI I am not taking away from who my child is, instead I am adding another element to who he is. He will be able to succeed in the Deaf world through the use of sign. As well as he will be able to succeed in the Hearing world. Do i think that if a parent chooses a CI that should be the end of it. No I think that that parent should encourage the use of sign.

[amberdibble]

I myself am a parent who choose CI for my son. Not only did I choose the CI for him I also choose to have him enrolled in the Deaf School in our area and I Also Choose for him to learn ASL. In fact I also choose learn sign myself and engage him and my family in deaf culture we go to deaf chats in our area. For those who haven't done their research you really shouldn't comment about the surgery. CI surgery is NOT brain surgery. Children with CI are not limited.

[reptaryay]

the reason the deaf culture segregates themselves at time is because they have to deal with ignorant people like you who try to force CI'S so you can be just like mommy and daddy, before you go running your mouth do a little research, spend time in THEIR CULTURE, then open your mouth.you refer to the deaf as "THEM" hypocrite. i am hearing, i liked using my hands, i apologize for this comment, not all hearing are this uneducated, as you have your village idiots, we have ours- once again sorry

[goodgirlkay]

This is complete crap! Kids with cochlear implants can play sports! They can swim! If parents wait until the child is older than five years old, they might as well not do it...because between the ages of birth to five years is optimal since that is when kids form language etc...It is a parents duty to give their children every avenue to success! And that means parents of deaf children choosing CI's. All this fear mongering cannot change what is happening, the die is cast!

[DaveASL]

Speech can also be learned if implanted after. Starting out growing up with sign language and then being implanted may cause a slight delay, but the end result will still be the ability to hear and eventual speech. It just could be a few years later than it would be. That is better than forcing a lifelong decision on someone without any consultation.

[goodgirlkay]

@DaveASL If you wait too long the speech will never sound natural, it will have that "deaf" accent. Children who are implanted early sound absolutely natural and no one has any idea they are even deaf. As for your contention that parents shouldn't force a lifelong decision on their children, parents have been doing it forever. From circumcision to immunization, parents constantly make decisions in the best interest of their little children without their consent. That is their right.

[charbabe1986]

@goodgirlkay lol, circumcision and immunization has to do with health. Being Deaf is a culture! And not all of them sound "normal" you probably have researched the few "success" cases! It allows deaf children to hear sounds, it does not make them hearing.

[ohthatslester]

one person who dislike this video probably he/she just got cochlear implants was regret for what his/her parent forced cochlear implant without knowledge. THUMB UP!

One of my friend, no name, is wearing cochlear implant for 12 years old since; therefore, he started to stop wear it just because he want to playing football and wrestle. LOL!

I don't offender to any person who wear cochlear implant, it is because i have friends who has cochlear implant!

[Jay3fer]

This is fascinating. As a hearing parent, I've heard too many other parents treating CI like it's no big deal - almost the same as wearing glasses. The attitude is, "If the child is born with a problem, you correct the problem." The fact that it's brain surgery; the fact that it limits the child; the fact that it disrupts their connection with the deaf community... these are significant considerations. Thank you.

[InfamousMacBook]

I was implanted young on my right side. I'm thankful for the choice of my parents. They choose to implant me and still have me learn asl and attend deaf schooling. They never pushed me into a hearing environment. They let me choose if I wanted to wear or not. Sure, I always have internal part in me but doesn't bother me and I'm happy with or with out my processor.

[thebirthlady]

I have never thought of this issue from this perspective, Thank you for sharing. I completely agree with you that the child should choose for themselves to alter their bodies. I would also think that there would be a benefit to waiting, as the technology could advance in 10 years to an option with less risk or chance of damaging injury. I would also think that it would only be to their benefit to learn ASL implant or not.

[carnrick]

Great video and I agree with everything. I have a cochlear implant after I became an adult and completely agree it should NEVER be forced on anyone. The only information I would let you know that is not correct is that Scuba Diving is now safe with CI. Thank you so much for making this video

[imonthelookout]

I have a 3 year old son who was implanted with a CI a month ago. I did not have his permission...exactly how does a parent ask a 3 year old permission for such a thing? Can you answer me that? Also, what you are saying is that I have made an "Unforgiveable" decision for my son...to give him the best chance in the world for hearing? I am starting to think that this clash between the deaf society and deaf people with cochlear implants is nothing more than jealousy.

[grandma2maj]

For children that have both hearing parents, they usually get sufficiently brainwashed to accept the CIs. But for children with one parent Deaf and another hearing, that isn't going to happen so easily. My granddaughter is starting to hate her CIs because her hearing mom's family has used wearing them against her Deaf dad and limited his access to her. Why can't she just be left alone to choose when she wears it? She talks fine. Now let her learn ASL in peace!

[Nickatar2]

Hi,

Im a new father and have a 8 month old deaf son and need to make that choice for him and would like all the feed back i can get in the matter of the CI or letting him live the full deaf life. Me and my wife are also going to learn ASL of course, any help or advice would be nice thanks:)

[goodgirlkay]

@Nickatar2 I hope you don't let these fear mongers persuade you into limiting your child's future choices! Give your child the gift of hearing, he will thank you for it later. Most of the things said on this video are lies! Many deaf persons are locked into their insane US vs. THEM attitude. From what I have seen on many deaf vlogs, they have great anger and resentment towards the hearing world. If your child does decide he wants to join this narrow community later on, he can take off his CI.

[DaveASL]

@goodgirlkay erm no.. I saw no lies here... There ARE slight risks with CI just as there's any risk with any kind of similar operation. That's like telling someone with a metal implant in neck or joints he'll never have any slight risks. In this video there is no DEAF vs HEARING mentality. As far as anger and resentment to hearing world, I've not seen that, I've only seen weariness due to undereducated people and communication barriers. (continued)

[DaveASL]

@DaveASL Maybe a CI is a good option for someone, fine, it is their decision. But to have one FORCED on you is another. Also, the attitude many hearing individuals who believe "just implant them and let them all be normal!" is sickening.

[ijkbridge]

my dad has a similar story to how you became deaf!

his dad came back from fighting in a war with the german measles, unknown to him.

he accidentally gave his wife (my dads mom) the measles. she was pregnant at the time.

this caused my dad to be deaf.

doctors say he was fortunate because he could have died, been mute AND deaf, or been in a coma.

god bless

[Bunjer]

Its not ok to even ask a Deaf Child to wear CI's or not. Its not the solution or even a need the first place, and great too many find CI's ineffective, and it goes the same with hearing aids! Its gone too far, and happens everywhere. Deafness is a medical view while Deafhood is not, but embraced as a language and culture to let a Deaf Child be his or her true idenity and live. Stop the Genocide/Ethnocide practices.. Good vlog! Its all about audism!

[ILazyGirl]

Hi there~

i juz watch the video.. its really interesting video.. im deaf, of course i dont wear CL.. cuz my mum never ask me about that.. so i met my deaf friend in i was 6 grade, he wear Cl.. he told me he started wear cl when he was 8... he said it kinda nice to other people's voice.. i didnt know he really happy with it.. i dont want CL, cuz it will destory my past, i dont know what happen how i get deafness.. i dont ask my mum any question about deafness, i have lots of questions.. :(

[veegee56]

This is a wonderful video!  Very good advice!! Thanks for creating this video and the captioning is great for the sign-disabled.

[Debawnton]

Parts of the vid are wonderful and other parts prove you are misinformed about Cochlear Implants. If a child is implanted early in life - under the age of 2 - there is not the hardship and frustration older kids/teens/adults experience. They adapt well! They help kids to REDUCE frustration and learn more...Other than that, wonderful video. Fantastic of you to sign slowly for us parents that are new to ASL.

[jdbnomad]

Great vid. I had asked my older brother, when we were adults, "Why he didn't want the implant?" He explained to me that a person who has always been deaf suddenly hearing is just as traumatic, if not more, than a hearing person loosing their hearing. It was a great explanation. And that is why it MUST be the child's choice. Thanks for the great post. =)

[tandabyers]

i feel for all the children that was forced to have implant. when they are too young to understand. it sad many hearing can control their child to be "like their hearing way of life" and not accept their child a way of life in deaf culture.

[damizu]

Waarrrddd!!!! you did a fantastic job. I would like to have a friend to learn from you.

[cokenl]

And that was a comment in reply to some comment about why he was signing slowly, earlier... 1 year earlier lol

[MarnieReeves]

Excellent presentation!! My older sister Cindy (2 1/2 years older than me) was deaf; lost her hearing as a baby due to meningitis. My hearing parents were conflicted; Mom wanted her to be "normal" and lip read and speak and not learn ASL, but Dad wanted her to function as best she could and sent her to a school for the Deaf. Cindy hated being tutored in speech after school. My brother and I always used ASL to talk to her. Mom didn't understand that there was a whole Deaf community "out there."

[bandnerd111]

I think that a parent should discuss everything with their child. Let them choose weather or not they want the implant and definitely encourage them to learn sign language. The child (In my opinion) should have the right to know what is out there medical wise to help them cope with their condition. I have 30% hearing loss and if I go deaf I would definitely want my family to support me learning asl and discussing my medical options with me and also lipreading and speechreading.

[soulrunner101]

and the headband in wrestling. Just one favor, don't judge the book by its cover. considering that you never had an CI according to your video. Thank you for your understanding. I understand this is my opinion and your video you posted is your opinion. I respect that. I just hope you respect mine.

[soulrunner101]

Hello there!

I just want to say it was an excellent video. However I have one thing I didn't like about the video. I am deaf and wear a CI. Of course I sign. I wouldn't give it up for the world!! However you said that kids with CI wouldn't be able to play Football and Wrestling because it is unnatural. I found that not true. I played football and wrestling in high school and it felt natural to me. I never had any problems with it. Your head is still protected by a helmet in football,

[Banerika]

This was excellent.

[Banerika]

You'd think that all the research on baby sign language (positive cognitive effects) would penetrate the mainstream and people would try to raise their children bilingual and see it as an opportunity to become bilingual themselves (ASL and English). My sister took ASL in college from someone whose parents tried the oral method only, who then rebelled when she was a teen and now is an ASL teacher. My sister is only 22 but she says "if I have a deaf baby, it's ASL first and the family learns.

[dylanpkingown]

hello, i am deaf and i got some interest story in australia, my parent took me to doctor for about my "deafness", and doctor only tell to my parent about CI, nothing about sign and other information that deaf took pathway, but luck my mum is deaf so she refused to doctor and she was shocking because the doctor might forced to other hearing parent that know nothing about deaf people, it might make they decide to give the kids CI without thier permession..., thank you

Dylan

[plumespixie]

I'm a coda and an interpreter QA IV, I see very often parents with deaf children who do not raise them to be Deaf adults. It is so sad how often we see profoundly deaf people forced into mainstream or oral programs, because they want them to learn ENGLISH.

ASL should come FIRST - English is important, but not as important as having a way to effectively communicate.

I hate the 'medical model' of deafness... it's destroying Deaf culture!

<3

PP

[scrantongirl11]

I grow up in hearing school like mainstream. I been begged of her I wanted to going to deaf school. My mom found out that I not learn as very well in deaf education program. My mom looking for deaf school and finally joined to deaf school when I was 4rd grade. I feel UNCOMFORTABLE cochlear implant around with deaf people/ hearing people too. I rufuse used cochlear implant because the people tend to stare of me by cochlear implant. My mom never understand how i feeling about cochlear implant.

[scrantongirl11]

also my mom really not good sign languae as ASL. She used her sign for english homemade not ASL. She is hearing as mom. She not like used mine my word says I wish remove of cochlear implant made her upset. She still thinking hearing world and not deaf.  I not like that someone who fixing cochlear implant put in my head. I not likes put any technogoly in my body. I wish natural deaf. She still force and strict. I told her that i been not happy and not forgives of her made her upset.

[scrantongirl11]

I was hearing born. I am deaf since when I was 19 months old became deafness. Well I had a cochlear implant since when I was 6 years old. My mom force deicded without permission me for cochlear implant. U know that I already hate wear cochlear implant and I won't wear again. I wish NEVER has a cochlear implant in whole my life. Now I am still scared of mine cochlear implant because I am inovloe of sports what if i fell so hard hit on the floor cause can be damage of cochlear implant.

[xCajunPrincessx]

getting an implant should be the child decision I said no but im hard of hearing so i feel sorry for you ):

[nannynicklife]

this man's vid got my attension diue to his gentle and loving nature. his face is kind, calm and sweet. when i clicked i saw what it was and began to watch though i dont sign. many times i have noticed that it is the people who learn to see beyond sight or sound that have the warmest souls.

[Trajofone]

Hey, Im deaf i received cochlear implant when i was 6 years old. I wanted to because so i can sign and speak with hearing people. I played football for 6 years it was nothing. Just take cochlear implant off then play...SIMPLE

We both are different...our opinions are different. I wanted go to mainstream school, wanted cochlear implant, and everything still going great. But good video though.

[FranceGamble]

I wish the internet was around better when my sister was younger. This video should have been shown to my parents. They forbade us from learning sign language (even though we taught ourselves with books hidden in our room). My sister got a bad ear infection when she was 2 months old, and it caused her to become severly hard of hearing. She is learning sign language now as an adult, but she lip reads and talks. She failed school. Can't read. Now wishes she had hearing. It's a sad thing.

[cdbicdb]

wow, lots of comments. I am HOH due to childhood accident, always used/messed around with sign, came like second nature to use it for me. I am considered hearing with aids. I am offering a sign langugae class at my church FREE open to the community because yes there is a need, companies with deaf employees, restuarants with deaf customers, hospice with deaf patients... etc...finding a need more and more! I am thankful to have this opportunity to make it avail to all that want it. Gods good.

[7714girl]

I am a hearing person, and if I ever have a deaf child I will of course love the child the same and I myself will learn ASL (matter of fact, I will learn it before I even have kids) because I think it's only right that I make it easier to communicate with my child. If God wants him/her to be deaf, who am I to force them to hear?

[nannynicklife]

god gives us things like deaf or blind children as a reminder to find other ways to love. that love is not bound by sight or sound but is on a whole other level. a level many miss in this world overwhelmed by sight and sound and where true love is buried under constant noise. from birth for exanple a baby's hearing is superb but dies down over time as a child learns to deal with noises around them.

[animemame]

More and more high schools are offering

ASL for foreign language credit. Yeah! If you know any deaf kids at your school, learn their language, get to know them- you will be blessed. ;)

[watchme09]

Nice job on this video by giving off this vital information

[buzzsteve]

95 % of profoundly deaf children are born to HEARING FAMILIES.

95% of DEAF FAMILES will have a HEARING CHILD!

Why not just share this world together and help everyone to understand everyone.

Sign Language needs to be more accessable, not just to deaf people but to hearing people.

I long for the day when everyone gets on with everyone even if they don't agree or love them!

[buzzsteve]

Hindsight is a great thing. Your parents did what they thought was best for you then, times have changed, technology has moved on and is much improved. I have a CI, I still do sports, I agree that some I have stopped such as rugby, but have started new ones like squash. People adapt, I wear a scrum hat for some sports.

Your last comment is the best yet, its your choice! Please don't scare or bribe the future parents for your parents choice, just cos you do not agree with your parents!

[jesse36james4life]

yes yes yes!!! that is true!!! i love that guy!!! hell yea that's fully 100% truth! i'm deaf myself but I don't have CIs, but I had a lot of friends that had CIs, they're really pissed! most of 'em been arugeing so bad about it and they just throw CIs in trash, or never used it at all! CI to me so cruel to deaf peoples... but if some deaf child want it that fine but if FORCE as he said then man good luck when they're teens! they'll yell yo ass! i've seen it! wish this video show every hearin plp

[Nanniers]

I have to agree totally that its up to children's choice to have CI or not, knowing all pros and cons of it. However, I personally am very against CI. My hearing daughter had a very good point: Why alter (change) any part of body which is naturally created if it dont save your life.

[jaybird645]

Is this is slow motion? Or is he slowing it down for the interpreter?

[bluedude4256]

it is not really in slow motion. he is signing at his own natural pace.

[cokenl]

This vid is aimed at hearing parents with deaf children, so I think he is signing slowly and most important of all, clearly for them to understand signs along with the subtitles.

[monniegurlfrmhouzton]

my brother is deaf and i can totally relate! yall dont really understand the deaf world. its totally different. you cant just walk up to them and tap them really hard, just like you wouldnt want someone to come up and shout in your face really loud. they make struggles each and every day and you dont understnand how hard they must try. i know, i experienced it with my brother. yall have no clue how it is to be or live with a person that is deaf

[BarbAngel]

hi I am in college and i am studing to be an interpeter. How needed are they and how long does it take to get a licence ? God Bless you too and have a blessed 2008

[belleriverheather]

i am astonished that their opinion is so once sided..thanks for everyone's time and i am eager to hear from you all...GREAT JOB!!

[belleriverheather]

I would like to have a good grasp of the cons of this surgery and its affects on a young child's life who isn't mature enough to make the decision him/herself and can this procedure be reversed. I would like to be able to write a comment to the network since they have a section on this station to read viewers comments and views.-->

[belleriverheather]

and even had a child who has had the surgery done come on and voice that its the "miracle cure" and boasted he is the top of all his sports teams>> so now I am confused as they did not say anything about danger of this CI with theses activities.--->

[belleriverheather]

I am adopted and have had several things left out or have had decided for me with out my consent that have really altered my life. Back to the point tho..l am a person that likes to have the full aspect of a topic and for the last few weeks on a daytime television show that i am watching a baby has lost his hearing. who is no older than 2 and they have been really elaborating on the CI....--->

[belleriverheather]

am posting on this video as newly intrigued. I have a deaf friend and after watching these few clips have really open my eyes to the CI implants and the choices that the parents should involve their children in.....I do think that its an important decision to have their child be a part of....I sort of understand this process and what a parents decision with out the child's knowledge of such a life altering decision can be -->

[subtitleman]

Well done!

I wish more Deaf would subtitle their videos so that the Hearing people will LEARN about us and our issues we have with being in a Hearing world.

[vikingscool]

I can't believe there is no need to pay for closed-captioning. CCmaker should be poverty for cash, ha! Thank God for Window making; Apple subtitling group would be working for your video! ;) Bravo!

[chriseazy003]

I wish more Hearing people would subtitle their videos so that the deaf people will LEARN about us and our issues we have being in Deaf world.

[subtitleman]

I am Hearing Impaired. Without my hearing aids I am DEAF. BTW, I also sign ASL.

Merry Christmas and a blessed 2008.

[hanginthere1]

same here, where ya from?

[subtitleman]

From Canada.

[subtitleman]

If Hearing people subtitle or caption something it is possible for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired (HI) to learn "something" about the Hearing world.

And if Deaf & HI subtitled their signed videos and blogs, then the Hearing can learn more about us.

[Salticid68]

(Part 2) Each city school for the deaf, all teachers are required to be fluency in ASL for the sake of metalinguistic. They also can't force them to wear hearing aid and respect their culture, so that CI crew can't cheat us. Maybe it's better to let 18 yrs old to decide? 18 years old kids are more realistic based on experience than 10 yrs old kids.

[Salticid68]

I understand. I agree with you that we're stuck in this world. Maybe we can tell them to hold on CI until we have all Deaf children at deaf schools. But state schools for the deaf is out of date, we should have deaf schools in each city, because we have larger population today and many parents want to be near their kids. Once it's done, then we can let 10 yrs old kids to decide.

[ASLisRisen]

I completely agreed with your video clips! Great job for educating parents because Deaf children will grow MORE love to their parents who will take your advise! Awesome job! Bless your HEART!

[Salticid68]

(Part 2) They descend their esteem out of myth and misunderstandings. Would any Deaf child at Eyeth want it? I bet there is none out of billions of people there would want it!

[ginfpca]

I agreed with you but we are stucking this hearie planet. My points, They can use CI with ASL or good sign language. NO FORCE! So we will move to EYETH.

[Salticid68]

You said if a Deaf child want to have cochlear implant, it's fine with you. I don't agree. Why? Because some of deaf people are "hearie" and want to be hearing, all because of teachers, ignorant and mean kids, parents and others require them to wear hearing aids every day; embarassed when using sign language; tell them don't use sign language at public; told them they can't do sport; discrimination; and so on. (Part One)

[darthdeafman]

yeah that is right i agree with you there are no buts about it.... but somehow i wish no one to invent cochlear implant !!!!!

[belleriverheather]

.My question acutally stems from a show im wating on tv... ALL MY CHILDREN a soap operah where a womans child became deaf..and they are really elaborating on the CI issue..they had a child who suipposedly had the CI on the one womans talk show boasting he was a sports leader? from what i have just seen, this woudl seem to b e a bit untrue becuase of the dangers of it. i

[belleriverheather]

had no idea that with the implant that it could cause dammage...I would like a bit of info if you have it for me bdcuase i would like to write the tv stations with my comments about the ci ..thanks so much .

[KimberleyCook1]

wow you are really impressed I had have same thing as yours My mom was very sick with german measles when she was three months pregnant with me that how I become deaf .. also my hearing son who was a wrestler since seventh grade til 12th I am very proud of my son, Brian .. Great beautiful video blog .. God bless you ~~