Re:iPod isn't the only thing that will be crippled (Score 1)

It is possible to replace the cochlea via a cochlea implant, which involves inserting electrodes inside the cochlea. A speech processor, either worn around your waist or around your ear like a hearing aid picks up sound and converts them into electrical signals. These are sent through your skull by means of a small pad, which also powers the electrodes. However, you can only fit a finite number of electrodes inside the cochlea. This means only a certain number of nerves can be stimulated, meaning everything you hear sounds very "robotic". On early processors human speech would sound almost like a Dalek, but the quality of sound is now vastly improved.

The drawbacks - they cost around $20,000, and your insurer / health provider won't pay up if your deafness is a result of listening to loud music.