Shazia Waheed, who had a cochlear implant last year

Cochlear implants

This week VEE-TV follows the progress of 13-year-old Shazia as she has a cochlear implant and begins to use it. We also chat to Piers, 22, who explains how he decided to have an implant even though his parents were initially against it.

The use of cochlear implants could have big implications, not only for the people concerned, but for the future of BSL and the Deaf community. Piers tells VEE-TV about how he signed an agreement saying he would reduce the amount he used BSL. 'I feel I should speak more to encourage my learning, but I still want to sign because it's the main way I talk to deaf people,' Piers says.

Next week the VEE-TV website will carry a special feature on cochlear implants and their pros and cons. In the meantime you can have your say on the message board.

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