When you're talking about a CI... Well, I don't disapprove of it. But it is an aid.
It's important that the child learns about deaf culture, so also sign language...
...because as soon as the CI is off the child is deaf.
I'm worried because parents think that their child can hear with a CI and that learning sign language isn't necessary.
–Put yourself in those parents' shoes. Everyone they know, including themselves, can hear and then they have a deaf child.
They think that's horrible. Also because they know what sound is and they want that for their children too. Well, I can imagine that.
But I think that it has to do with the otorhinolaryngologist and everything around it. They say that learning to speak well is the most important...
...and that's just not true. They should say that sign language should be learned and Dutch will follow automatically.
Often they say how important it is to learn to talk well. Parents then think that talking is the most important part of learning Dutch. That's a big misconception.
When a child knows sign language well Dutch will follow easily. Parents are misinformed.
If my child was deaf I'd opt for a CI. All in all, it's a good aid.
But there are some risks attached to a surgery, and then I do have doubts.
–Well, I know someone who got paralysis in their face after the surgery. And it's also really expensive.
–Yeah, there are always pros and cons.