Deafophobic Lancet article

[Eric Gumpert]

In a recent issue of The Lancet, a major medical journal (vol. 355, Feb. 23
2000, pages 513-514) a Dr. J.J. Grote (Ear, Nose, and Throat Dept. Leiden
University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, Netherlands) writes a review of
possible new techniques for detecting hearing loss in babies.

In the article Dr. Grote writes: "Early confirmation and management of
[hearing loss] is thought to improve development of speech and language
ability....The auditory central nervous system is said to need stimuli as
sonn as possible...for satisfactory maturation....Studies have suggested
that these early stimuli improve speech and languge skills, social and
emotional well-being, and academic performance....

The author seems not to consider that the early detection of a hearing
impairment could also lead to the early identification of those children who
would benefit from early exposure to sign language, and that this exposure
could greatly improve language skills, social and emotional well-being, etc.
Sign language is nowhere mentioned in the article.

Perhaps someone should write a response to the article in the Journal
(someone with medical credentials...?"

Thanks.