Futures

The Emotional and Financial Burden of Cochlear Implant Obsolescence in India, (from page 20230528.)

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Summary

This article discusses the challenges faced by families in India who rely on cochlear implants for their deaf children, highlighting the emotional and financial burdens when these devices become obsolete. The story centers on Nikhil, a father whose son, Vikas, benefited from a cochlear implant provided by a government program. However, after years of use, the family is confronted with the need for an expensive new processor due to the manufacturer’s planned obsolescence. This situation raises questions about the responsibilities of corporations and governments in supporting users of neuroprosthetic devices. The author suggests the term “planned abandonment” to describe the moral implications of this issue, emphasizing the need for accountability in maintaining access to essential medical devices.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Dependency on Cochlear Implants Families are increasingly reliant on cochlear implants for communication and education. Shift from reliance on cochlear implants to exploring alternative communication methods like sign language. A broader acceptance of alternative communication methods, reducing dependency on cochlear implants. Growing awareness of diverse communication methods and the limitations of reliance on technology. 4
Emergence of Informal Markets for Medical Devices Families turn to social media to trade and find spare parts for obsolete cochlear implants. Transition from official corporate supply chains to informal networks for medical device maintenance. Formation of robust global networks for sharing and trading medical device components. Increasing obsolescence of medical devices and the need for affordable maintenance options. 4
Growing Advocacy for Right to Repair Consumer activists demand the right to repair neuroprosthetic devices. Change from planned obsolescence to consumer empowerment and device longevity. Legislative changes ensuring the right to repair and maintain medical devices. Consumer desire for sustainability and ethical practices in the medical device industry. 5
Planned Abandonment Concept Introduction of the term ‘planned abandonment’ to describe corporate neglect of medical device users. Move from acceptance of planned obsolescence to recognition of corporate responsibility in medical care. Increased accountability of corporations in maintaining life-sustaining medical devices. Heightened awareness of the ethical implications of medical device marketing and support. 5
Stratified Obsolescence Cochlear devices become obsolete at different rates in different countries, sparking emotional responses. Shift in understanding of global disparities in medical technology access and support. More equitable distribution and support for medical devices worldwide. Global advocacy for equal access to healthcare and technology. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Economic Strain on Families Families of cochlear implant users, especially low-income, face financial strain due to the cost of replacements and ongoing care. 5
Dependency on Corporations Users become reliant on companies for essential medical devices, raising concerns about corporate responsibility and care continuity. 4
Planned Abandonment of Devices The practice of phasing out medical devices without providing support leads to potential sensory loss and psychological distress. 5
Inequitable Access to Technology Disparities in access to cochlear implant technology create unequal opportunities for deaf individuals across different socioeconomic backgrounds. 5
Impact on Education Loss of hearing ability due to device obsolescence jeopardizes children’s education and interaction with peers, leading to long-term consequences. 4
Addressing Informal Markets Families resort to informal economies to obtain spare parts, raising issues of safety and reliability for essential devices. 3
Neglect of Alternative Communication Methods Parents are not informed about alternative communication methods, leading to sole dependency on cochlear implants. 4
Psychological Impact of Device Loss Emotional and psychological stress from reliance on devices that can suddenly become obsolete can severely impact mental health. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Increased reliance on informal economies Families are turning to informal networks and social media to source spare parts for obsolete cochlear implants, indicating a shift towards community-driven solutions. 4
Demand for right-to-repair legislation Consumer activists are increasingly advocating for the right to repair neuroprosthetic devices, challenging corporate practices of planned obsolescence. 5
Recognition of ‘planned abandonment’ The term ‘planned abandonment’ is emerging to describe the ethical implications of device obsolescence in neuroprosthetics, emphasizing moral responsibilities of corporations. 5
Struggles with financial instability Families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, are facing significant challenges in financing necessary medical upgrades amidst unstable employment. 4
Emerging awareness of alternative communication methods There is a growing recognition of the need for education in Indian Sign Language and other communication methods to reduce dependency on cochlear implants. 4
Transnational resource sharing Parents are increasingly seeking help from global networks to access spare parts for cochlear implants, highlighting a new form of cross-border community support. 3
Increased advocacy for corporate accountability There is a rising call for corporations to ensure long-term maintenance and support for neuroprosthetic devices, reflecting changing consumer expectations. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Cochlear Implants Devices that provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe hearing loss, integrating into the sensory experience. 5
Bionic Eyes Neuroprosthetic devices designed to simulate sight for individuals with vision impairments or blindness. 4
Right to Repair Movement A consumer initiative advocating for the ability to repair and maintain electronic and neuroprosthetic devices. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Cochlear Implant Obsolescence The issue of cochlear implants becoming obsolete and manufacturers ceasing support, affecting users’ access to hearing. 5
Planned Abandonment The concept that corporations abandon users of essential medical devices, leading to significant emotional and practical consequences. 5
Economic Inequality in Healthcare Access The disparity in access to cochlear implants and their maintenance between wealthier and poorer families, especially in developing nations. 4
Informal Economy for Medical Device Parts The rise of informal markets for spare parts due to the obsolescence of medical devices, creating dependency on unregulated sources. 4
Right to Repair Movement The growing demand for consumers to have the ability to repair their medical devices rather than being forced to buy new ones. 4
Dependency on Neuroprosthetics The increasing reliance on neuroprosthetic devices for essential functions like hearing, raising concerns about personal autonomy and corporate ethics. 5
Lack of Alternative Communication Options The absence of education on alternative communication methods, such as sign language, for children with cochlear implants. 4
Emotional Impact of Device Failure The psychological effects faced by users when their essential devices become obsolete, impacting their quality of life and identity. 5