This article discusses the challenges faced by families in India whose children rely on cochlear implants. It highlights the issue of planned obsolescence, where cochlear implant manufacturers phase out older models, leaving families to purchase expensive upgrades. The article emphasizes the socioeconomic impact of this practice, as many families struggle to afford new processors. It also raises questions about the responsibility of cochlear implant corporations and governments in ensuring long-term access to these devices. The article proposes the term “planned abandonment” to describe the profound sense of loss experienced when individuals are cut off from their sensory worlds due to obsolete devices.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cochlear implant becoming obsolete | Dependency on outdated devices to abandonment | Improved access and maintenance of cochlear implants | Planned obsolescence and profit-driven motives |
| Unequal access to cochlear implants | Unequal access to technology based on finances and healthcare | Equal access to cochlear implants regardless of resources | Financial limitations and healthcare disparities |
| Demand for the “right to repair” | Advocacy for the ability to fix broken products | Legislation and education to change planned obsolescence | Consumer activism and environmental concerns |
| Emotional attachment and reliance on neuroprosthetic devices | Loss of sensory world due to device abandonment | Greater support and maintenance for neuroprosthetic devices | Sense of loss and abandonment when devices become obsolete |
| Informal market for spare cochlear implant parts | Trading obsolete parts to maintain access to devices | Formalized system for obtaining spare parts | Lack of availability and affordability of new devices |
| Financial burden of upgrading cochlear implants | Struggle to afford necessary upgrades for devices | Improved financing options for cochlear implant upgrades | Limited financial resources and increased expenses |
| Responsibility of corporations and governments | Need for long-term maintenance of cochlear implants | Accountability for maintaining access to devices | Social responsibility and ethical considerations |
| Planned obsolescence to planned abandonment | Change in terminology reflecting moral implications | Recognition of the impact of abandonment on individuals | Awareness of the consequences of device obsolescence |