Experiencing Deaf Culture by Adults with A Cochlear Implant

[Purpose] This study examined adults who grew up using spoken language in conjunction with a cochlear implant and received their surgeries. The study investigated their lives before and after exposure to Deaf culture. [Method] 4 adults in their early 20s who grew up using spoken language in conjunction with a cochlear implant were interviewed through in-depth. [Results] The following patterns were noted: First, prior to interaction with the Deaf community, A cochlear implant had more disadvantages than advantages. Participants felt restricted by their devices and uncomfortable with stereotypes that cochlear implants resulted in perfect hearing. Speech therapy that emphasized pronunciation and listening resulted in insufficient vocabulary and grammar skills. Participants struggled with the expectation of spoken language mastery, and lack of access to auditory information. This resulted in them being passive, an inability to access information at school, which led to a lack of academic motivation. Second, positive changes were noted after experiencing Deaf culture. Participants interacted with other deaf people and learned sign language quickly. Because the sign language information was visual, they were able to have full access and communicate in ways they couldn’t with hearing people. Empowered by seeing the lives of other deaf people, they gained confidence. Two out of the four participants received education regarding deaf rights and now advocate for the right to communication for deaf people. [Conclusion] The results showed that participants felt limited when using only spoken language and that positive changes could be made through interaction with the deaf community.