When first considering a topic for my 20% project, my first instinct was to look into one of my strongest interests - cochlear implants. These devices have always fascinated me, so naturally I wanted to learn more about them, specifically more about how
other technologies could be used to enhance the benefits of cochlear implants. This led me to start searching for assistive technology for children with cochlear implants. I wanted my focus to involve school age children (middle-high school students) because these are children I hope to work with in the future. Also, these students are often involved in large group activities and social settings. Although cochlear implants allow people with profound hearing loss to hear, these individuals still often face difficulties hearing in large group settings where noise interference can get in the way. This makes it difficult for children with cochlear implants to do some everyday activities such as talk on the phone, listen to music on iPods, or hear a speaker at an assembly. With further thought I was able to formulate my driving question for this project...What types of assistive technology can be used to help school-age (middle/high school) students with cochlear implants hear more clearly in large group or social settings?
To research this question, I first started broadly searching for assistive technology for cochlear implants. This search yielded many results about FM systems, which use radio waves to directly funnel sound from a microphone into a person's cochlear implant. Additional searching also revealed other types of assistive technology involving infrared systems, personal amplifiers, and bluetooth technology. These devices are all used in similar ways as FM systems in that they transmit sound straight to the cochlear implant user in order to eliminate noise interference. These results were helpful, and further research into them might help me discover more ways to help middle and high school students hear better with their cochlear implants.
1. Nice job describing why you are interested in your topic and what you hope to get out of the project. Like Eunbae said in class, the more specific and goal-focused you are about your project, the more successful it will be.
ReplyDelete2. I have a good friend with a cochlear implant and was in class with her throughout middle school. I will be interested to see what technology you find, especially for events like dances, plays, and class discussion that were the hardest for her to follow.
3. I don't know how helpful this is, but I found a website that gives a list of suggestions for those who have a cochlear implant for social situations. Other content on the website might be helpful for your research as well: http://www.cochlear.com/wps/wcm/connect/us/recipients/nucleus-6/nucleus-6-lifestyle/listening-environments/social-situations
1. I LOVE this topic! I read your about.me, and I can totally tell how passionate you are about your topic. I can't wait to hear what you find out.
ReplyDelete2. I would love to see a really deep family connection in our future blog posts. This is clearly something that has impacted your family in many ways, so I would love to hear more.
3. You should try and communicate with SLPs or maybe even doctors to talk about cochlear implants! Maybe they have some information or advice for you!