accoustic neuroma and using sign after a CI

[Guest guest]

Diane,

Your mother should have a prom stim test done to see if the auditory nerve

is still functioning. If not, there is a brain stem implant that is

designed for people who have damage due to accoustic neuroma. I've heard

good things about it. Be sure to ask if that is a possibility if the CI is

not.

For the parents looking at implantation for their infants and toddlers,

research shows that a combination of speech and sign results in language

gains for the first year post-implantation. After the first year, using

both speech and sign (simultaneous communication or total communication

either one) results in losses in language acquisition when compared to same

age peers. A speech only educational program results in continued gains.

There are at least three research studies done on this, one by Anne Geers

that can be found online. There was also at least one conducted at the

University of Indiana which can be found online as well. I believe that

researchers at Boys Town National Research Hospital have done several of

this type of studies. One of the lead researchers is now working for

Advanced Bionics, so you can get some information on her research from AB.

I suggest you do the research yourself instead of asking personnel at oral

schools or schools for the Deaf, or even a neighborhood school teacher of

the deaf and hard of hearing because each of those people are going to have

their own agenda and may, or may not, try to steer you into doing what they

feel is right over what you feel is right.

Beth

" Surviving a loss and letting go is only half of the story. The other half

is the secret belief that we will find, in one form or another, what we have

lost. And it is that potential, shimmery as a star on a clear night, that

helps us survive. " -- Chambers