ESRC Switched on for sound: how one device changed deaf children's lives forever

In a unique collaboration between the University of Birmingham and the British Association of Teachers of the Deaf (Midlands region) we explore the history and impact of cochlear implantation which stimulates the auditory nerve, and its part in changing the educational and social lives of thousands of deaf children worldwide.

We trace the development and impact of this invention from its inception to the present and take a peep into the future with a fascinating mixture of short films and live presentations by professionals, academics, children with cochlear implants and their parents.

One of the greatest technological advances in the field of deaf education, influencing the lives of thousands of children worldwide, is the introduction of cochlear implantation of deaf children 40 years ago. Over the years, cochlear implantation has resulted in a range of positive results, including greater ability to hear every day sounds, better speech perception and production, and improved spoken language development. Designed in collaboration with the British Association of Teachers of the Deaf (BATOD) this event celebrates the educational and social outcomes for deaf children and their families since 1980.

The event will take place in three distinct but interlinked parts. Introduced by a young person with cochlear implants, a short film from the House Ear Foundation, California will initiate the celebration. A presentation by Dr Sue Archbold, former Chief Executive of the Ear Foundation follows, will explore the history of cochlear implants and their introduction in the Midlands. Young adults and their parents will share memories of earlier cochlear implantation.

Bridging the gap between past and present, a paediatric Audiologist will recollect work in this field from the early days until now.

In the next segment, Dr Emmanouela Terlektsi will present on the educational outcomes of children with cochlear implants, illustrated with film montages of deaf learners, reflecting on the impact of the device on their lives.

In the final section, a cochlear implant manufacturer representative will provide a glimpse into the future by describing the latest developments in technology.

Children and young people round off the celebration by sharing their aspirations for the future, and parents will signpost the way for future families by tackling the question, ‘Should I agree to cochlear implantation for my child?’

This will be an evening where crucial questions will be asked: ‘What have we learnt from the past about cochlear implantation?’, ‘Where are we now?’, and most importantly ‘What does the future hold?’

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2020.