Date of Defense
4-17-2025
Date of Graduation
4-2025
Department
Speech, Language and Hearing Science
First Advisor
Tanya Timmerman
Second Advisor
Teresa Crumpton
Abstract
This thesis looks at how getting a cochlear implant can affect a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person’s identity, language development, and sense of belonging. It compares people who see deafness as part of a rich culture (big “D” Deaf) with those who see it more as a medical condition (little “d” deaf). By reviewing studies and articles, the research explores how early exposure to language, school environments, and family choices influence how people communicate and see themselves.
This thesis looks at how getting a cochlear implant can affect a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person’s identity, language development, and sense of belonging. It compares people who see deafness as part of a rich culture (big “D” Deaf) with those who see it more as a medical condition (little “d” deaf). By reviewing studies and articles, the research explores how early exposure to language, school environments, and family choices influence how people communicate and see themselves.
Recommended Citation
Segroves, Amelia, "Deaf community, Cochlear implants, and Language Access" (2025). Honors Theses. 3936.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3936
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access