The Ethics of Cranial Nerve Implants

Abstract

This overview of ethical and social issues pertaining to cranial nerve implants covers informed consent; risk-benefit assessments; security against unauthorized reprogramming or privacy intrusion; explantation; psychological side effects; equity and social distribution, cultural effects, for instance, on the deaf subculture; enhancement; and research ethics.

Keywords: Auditory brainstem implant; Cochlear implant; Cranial nerve implant; Ethics; Explantation; Hypoglossal nerve stimulation; Informed consent; Vagus nerve stimulation.