#5594 Turn On the Deaf Ear?

On question 3306 we wrote:

Q.

I’m considering using a cochlear implant will that be any

different? Should I install it only on one ear?

See question

2013; A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that

electrically stimulates the cochlear nerve (nerve for hearing). The

implant has external and internal parts. The external part sits

behind the ear. It picks up sounds with a microphone. It then

processes the sound and transmits it to the internal part of the

implant.

Inserting a cochlear implant destroys any residual

hearing in the operated ear. Thus, one can not turn back.

Doctors

recommend that a person should be completely or almost completely

deaf in both ears, and get almost no improvement with hearing aids.

Anyone who can hear well enough with hearing aids is not a good

candidate for cochlear implants. Therefore, if one uses them he

cannot comply with the mitzva of Shofar and cannot blow for

others.

If he has only an implant on one ear, if he can

disconnect the electricity source or plug that ear, Horav Shlomo

Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he can still comply if he can

still hear a little with the other.

Horav

Shlomo Miller Shlit’a also rules in Maayonei Shlomo (O.H. 77) in

regard to the use of cochlear implants, that in order to comply with

kiddush a wife or daughter should say it quietly herself, but she

does not have to hold a cup of wine in her hand if it is

embarrassing. It is also preferable that one should make an effort to

drink some of the wine or grape juice.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as

revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a

Rabbi

Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav

Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs

Shlit’a