Sound Waves

Synopsis: A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device which can make it possible for the profoundly deaf to hear sound. Although it sounds like a miracle cure, the use of cochlear implants is controversial, particularly amongst the deaf community.The film contrasts two mothers, one hearing, one deaf. The deaf mother has two children, a son Calum who is deaf and a daughter Paige who is hearing. Although cochlear implants are available on the NHS she has never applied for one for Calum and as the film progresses we understand that although Calum would like to hear he doesn’t want to have surgery. The hearing mother has chosen for Dan her deaf son to have surgery to embed a cochlear implant but remains concerned about her decision.

The film intercuts between the hearing mother and a deaf mother as they share their opinions with the audience of the benefits and potential problems associated with cochlear implants. The deaf mother is strongly involved in the Deaf world and arranges outings for deaf kids; we see her leading a decorating workshop where the children are communicating together and enjoying themselves in exactly the same way as a group of hearing children. In the end the hearing mother is accepting of the fact that despite major surgery her child may never learn to speak, but believes that he will gain some benefit and therefore it’s worth it.

The film was one of a series of eight short films produced by the Documentary Filmmakers Group and The Wellcome Trust.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2008
Year of production: 2008
Subjects: Social welfare
Keywords: cochlear implants; deafness; hearing disorders

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British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Sound Waves

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Credits

Production Company

Documentary Filmmakers Group

Sponsor

Wellcome Trust

Distributor

BBC Film Network

Record Stats

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