What are the drawbacks to cochlear implants?
Well, it’s not exactly the same as normal hearing, though it is now a very close approximation. My sons do not currently hear in every single frequency that the ear hears in (because the CI highlights the speech frequencies). This means they will not catch all the intricacies of music. However, there is a new processor coming out soon which will address some of our desires for them to appreciate music more fully. Also, of course, they cannot swim or bathe with them on. Due to static electricity, some individuals avoid all plastic playground slides, ball pits, trampolines, etc. (we do not, but this is parental choice). They should always be careful to wear helmets when biking, skiing or similar sports, and probably avoid serious contact sports (though some implantees do participate in them). They have to be careful about MRIs because of the powerful magnets in the machines (they should call the manufacturer prior, make sure the machine is appropriate, etc.– Med-el brand CIs are the onl
