Cochlear Implants

 

Inclusive education is about giving every child the opportunity to learn and grow together, regardless of their physical or learning differences. For students with disabilities, learning in the same classroom can be difficult without extra support. Assistive technologies play a big role in making learning easier and more accessible. One of the most important tools for students with hearing loss is the cochlear implant. It is special device that help people who have very limited hearing to hear sound, understand speech ad communicate better. This tool supports to participate in regular classroom just like their peers.

A cochlear implant is different from a regular hearing aid. While hearing aids make sounds louder, cochlear implant go deeper bypassing the damaged part of the ear and directly sending sound signals to the hearing nerve. The device has two parts, one is worn outside the ear and picks up sounds from the environment. It changes these sounds into digital signals and sends them to the second part, which is placed inside the ear through surgery. This internal part sends the signals to the hearing nerve which then sends them to the brain. The brain learns to recognize these signals as sound. Although the sound is not the same as natural hearing, with time and practice, users can understand speech other sounds.

Cochlear implant is especially helpful for children with severe to profound hearing loss who get little or no help from hearing aids. If implanted early, preferably before the age of three, children can develop speech and language skills similar to children with normal hearing. This means they can join regular schools and learn alongside their friends. Adults who have lost their hearing later in life can also benefits, as the device help them communicate again and returns to daily activities. Whereby, in inclusive classrooms, cochlear implants give learners the ability to follow lessons, ask and answer the questions and take parts in group discussion. This helps them feel more included, builds their confidence and supports their learning.

 In Bhutan, cochlear implants are not very common yet, but they can be a game-change for inclusive education. Bhutan has made progress in promoting education for all, as shown in the  (Policy for persons with disabilities, 2019), which encourages equal access to learning and the use of assistive tools. Hospitals in Bhutan, such as the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, provides some service related to hearing health and children are sometimes referred to hospitals in India for cochlear implant surgeries. With more awareness and government support, this technology can be made available to more Bhutanese students who need it.  

The benefits of cochlear implants in an inclusive classroom are many. They improve hearing, which makes it easier for students to follow what the teacher is saying. This is important for learning and building relationships. Students with cochlear implants can also learn to speak clearly and understand others, which helps them take part in classroom discussions and activities. They can make friends, express their ideas and become more confident. For teachers, this means they can include all students in their teaching, without needing to separate students with hearing loss. With proper therapy and family supports, students with implant can perform well in school and reach their full potential.

However, cochlear implants also have some challenges. The surgery and the device are expensive, which makes it hard for many families in Bhutan to afford them. While some costs can be covered by government health programs, there is still a need for more financial support. Also, after the surgery, students need regular speech therapy and check-ups to get the most benefits from the device. This requires trained professionals, which are limited in many parts of Bhutan, especially in rural areas. Another challenge is that cochlear implants do not restore natural hearing. It takes time and practice for the brain to understand the new way of hearing, and this learning process can be slow for some students. Finally, not all children are suitable for cochlear implants due to medical reasons or the level of their hearing loss, so each case needs to be checked carefully by doctors.

Several research studies and organizations support the use of cochlear implants. According to (UNESCO, 2015), assistive technologies like cochlear implants can improve education outcomes for children with disabilities when combined with proper training and inclusive teaching strategies. The World Health Organization also recommends early identification of hearing loss and the use of cochlear implants for children who cannot benefits from hearing aids. Research shows that early use of cochlear implants leads to better speech and language development and helps children succeed in school.

In conclusion, cochlear implants are an important assistive technology that can help learners with hearing loss learn better and be part of inclusive classrooms. They allow students to hear sounds, understand speech, and communicate with others. This supports their learning, builds their confidence, and help them make friends. While there are challenges like high costs, need for surgery and ongoing therapy, these can be solved with proper planning and support from the government, school and communities. By including cochlear implants in Bhutan’s education system and training teachers supports students using them, we can make learning more joyful and equal for every child.

                                         Cochlear implants