Cochlear Implants

A Pathfinder

The cochlear implant is a device that allows some people who are deaf to hear some sound. It does this by putting small amounts of electrical current near the hearing nerve in response to sounds. After much special training and practice, the brain learns to interpret this electrical current as sound. The cochlear implant has two main parts: 1), the internal part, which is surgically implanted in a part of the inner ear called the cochlea and into a hole drilled into the mastoid bone, and 2), the external part, which is worn outside the body like a hearing aid.

Remember, this pathfinder will not tell you about all the materials the Library has about cochlear implants. You must do the basic research yourself. This pathfinder will guide you to the appropriate places to begin your search for information. If you need further assistance, please ask at the Reference Desk.

INTRODUCTIONS

For introductory material about cochlear implants, you will need to check more specialized sources than the general encyclopedias available in the Reference area. Cochlear implants are poorly covered in the general encyclopedias. Some general encyclopedias have only a very short mention of cochlear implants, while other general encyclopedias don't mention cochlear implants at all. However, there are some specialized sources that include information about cochlear implants. It is helpful to check these sources to familiarize yourself with the topic and the vocabulary used for that topic. A few suggestions:

• Cochlear implants: the deaf community's view . San Diego, Calif.: DawnPictures, 1994. (VHS 256; request it at the Circulation Desk.)
  • Cochlear implants are controversial, especially in the deaf community. This videotape presents a panel of deaf community leaders who discuss the pros and cons of cochlear implants.

   

• Pickett, J.M. "Cochlear implants", in Gallaudet encyclopedia of deaf people and deafness, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1987, Volume 1, pages 193-196. (On reserve at the Circulation Desk.)
  • A good introductory article that describes the basic types of cochlear implants, the possible risks, and the criteria for who can potentially benefit from cochlear implants. It also discusses tactile aids and presents research in those areas. Includes diagrams and a brief bibliography.

   

• Tucker, Bonnie P. Cochlear implants: a handbook. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 1998. (DEAF 617.882 T82c 1998)
  • A thorough discussion of cochlear implants, how they work, and what is involved in getting one. The author writes from personal experience since she has a cochlear implant herself.

The World Wide Web also contains much information about cochlear implants. Three sites on the Web belong to cochlear implant manufacturers, and can provide good information about their implants. Of course, they will present only the positive side of cochlear implants:

• Advanced Bionics (Clarion): http://www.cochlearimplant.com
• AllHear, Inc.: http://www.allhear.com
• Med-El: http://www.cochlearimplants.com
• Cochlear Corporation: http://www.cochlear.com

The National Institutes of Health has a site, "Cochlear implants in adults and children", that presents a more objective but still medical-oriented look at cochlear implants:

For finding information about cochlear implants using the Education index or the General science index, use the following subject headings:

• Cochlear implants
• Ear, Artificial

NEWSPAPERS

Newspapers are also good places to look for current information or to get an overview of the day-to-day coverage of a particular issue. Post-1989 New York times, USA today and Wall Street journal newspapers are included in the Periodical Abstracts database (see PERIODICALS above). For information in the Washington post, Washington times, the pre-1989 New York times and pre-1989 USA today, or the 1975-1989 Wall street journal, use the printed indexes for each newspaper. The printed newspaper indexes are located on the Middle Level, across from the Circulation Desk, on the shelves marked "Indexes".

To find articles on cochlear implants using the printed New York times index before 1989, use the following subject headings:

• Deafness
• Ears and Hearing
• Hearing aids

To find articles on cochlear implants using the printed Washington post index, use this subject heading:

• Hearing aids

OTHER RESOURCES

Vertical files include materials such as newspaper clippings, brochures, maps, poetry, and other non-book printed materials. The Deaf Subject File is located on the Lower Level of the Library, next to the Archives (room LW70). This file is kept locked. To use materials from the file, ask a staff member in the Archives.

The file on Cochlear Implants includes many newspaper articles, some periodical articles, and several brochures (some with excellent illustrations and explanations). There are actually several file folders on cochlear implants, mostly divided by date.

Videotapes are available through the Circulation Desk. Videotapes and other audiovisual resources can provide a different perspective than you will get from printed materials.

To locate videotapes, use the WRLC Libraries Catalog in ALADIN, and run a Keyword search using these keywords:

• "cochlear implants" AND videorecording

The World Wide Web has a large amount of material about cochlear implants, of widely varying completeness, usefulness, recentness, and objectivity. You will need to evaluate each selected site carefully. To find them, use search engines such as Google (http://www.google.com) or Northern Light (http://www.northernlight.com) and search on the term:

• +"cochlear implants"

Remember: If you are having trouble finding information, or if you would like any additional help, please ask at the Service Desk.