Ethical implications of sensory prostheses

Abstract

This survey begins with an overview of currently available and foreseeable sensory prostheses. Cochlear implants are now a routine technology for patients with a dysfunctional inner ear but a functional auditory nerve. Auditory brainstem implants are available for patients whose auditory nerve cannot be used. Visual prosthesis for the blind is a highly active research area but still far from results that can be used in routine clinical practice. Experiments are also made with artificial proprioception and touch for sensory feedback in limb prostheses. Artificial biosensors are used in pacemakers, and research is being done on implantable drug delivery systems with biosensors that determine dosage. A wide range of ethical issues arise in connection with experiments and clinical usage of sensory prostheses: animal experimentation; informed consent, for instance, in patients with a locked-in syndrome that may be alleviated with a sensory prosthesis; unrealistic expectations of research subjects testing new devices; privacy issues for electronic implants with memory; security issues; effects of sensory improvements on a patient’s personality and self-image; cultural effects of the new technologies in disabled communities; and the psychological and social effects of sensory enhancement.