Governor Proclaims Cochlear Implant Day 2022

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization’s World Report on Hearing states that hearing loss, without timely and appropriate intervention, can negatively impact many aspects of life, including communication, the development of language and speech in children, cognition, education, employment, mental health, and interpersonal relationships; and

 

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 6.6 million (2.5%) Americans aged 12 years or older have severe to profound hearing loss in at least one ear; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 1 to 3 per 1,000 children are born with hearing loss at birth; and

 

WHEREAS, cochlear implants are considered one of the most successful of all neural prostheses developed to date and, with appropriate supports such as aural rehabilitation, effective communication practices, and/or sign language, can be effective for people with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who experience limited benefits from hearing aids and are good candidates for cochlear implants; and

 

WHEREAS, according to the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, cochlear implants have been provided for approximately 6% of US adults and 50% of children who are candidates for cochlear implantation; and

 

WHEREAS, when families choose cochlear implantation for their young children, research indicates that, with an array of appropriate follow-up supports, they are able to acquire spoken language and speech skills with those implanted prior to twelve months of age demonstrating age-appropriate spoken language when they begin kindergarten; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports that over 1.2 million North Carolinians ages 18 and older have hearing loss; and

 

WHEREAS, we can work together to improve awareness and accessibility of effective hearing healthcare services for children and adults with moderate to profound hearing loss in the state of North Carolina;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 25, 2022, as “COCHLEAR IMPLANT DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.