Uploaded January 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO BE DEAF.
I spoke with my cochlear implant company in Austria on the necessity to expose Deaf individuals to all options, including sign language and/or implants.
Growing up, mainstreamed, I never had the privilege of connecting with or knowing any other D/deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
My personal choice to know ASL and have a cochlear implant is NOT the option for everyone. Occasionally, I will choose to go without my implants for days at a time. Other times, I will wear them consistently. Everyone is exposed to different experiences and people throughout life. The choices you make on adapting your own body should always be YOUR CHOICE.
THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO BE DEAF.
I spoke with my cochlear implant company in Austria on the necessity to expose Deaf individuals to all options, including sign language and/or implants.
Growing up, mainstreamed, I never had the privilege of connecting with or knowing any other D/deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
My personal choice to know ASL and have a cochlear implant is NOT the option for everyone. Occasionally, I will choose to go without my implants for days at a time. Other times, I will wear them consistently. Everyone is exposed to different experiences and people throughout life. The choices you make on adapting your own body should always be YOUR CHOICE.
