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SEPTEMBER 2026 Download PDF version
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In this issue :
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Message from the President
Dear Members, I hope this newsletter finds you well and that you were all able to enjoy a restful summer break. As the holidays come to an end and we return to our daily routines, I would especially like to wish a good and confident start to the new school year to all our children with cochlear implants, together with their families and teachers. A smooth return to the classroom, with the right support in place, matters enormously — and it remains one of the reasons our work is so important. As we look ahead, there are two occasions where I very much hope to meet many of you in person. First, in Berlin: the German hearing-loss community will celebrate 125 years of the hard-of-hearing movement ("125 Jahre Schwerhörigenbewegung") during an action week from 17 to 20 September, under the fitting motto "Gemeinsam besser hören" – Better hearing, together. It is a remarkable milestone, and a wonderful reminder of how much can be achieved when people with hearing loss stand together. I hope to be there, and it would be a great pleasure to see some of you as well. Second, in Brussels: EURO-CIU will once again take part in the CIICA Conference, CI Advocacy in Action 2026, on 22 and 23 October. As in previous years, these two days promise inspiring presentations, valuable exchange, and — above all — the shared advocacy that strengthens the voice of cochlear implant users across Europe and beyond. I warmly encourage you to join us in Brussels and to add your voice to the network. Both events remind us of the same truth: we are strongest when we act together. I look forward to meeting you in Berlin, in Brussels, or wherever our shared commitment brings us. I wish you an enjoyable read of this edition of the newsletter, and my sincere thanks go once again to Brian for his excellent work. Warm regards,
Tobias Fischer Message from the Editor of the EURO-CIU Newsletter
Well, it's now Autumn - so I hope that you've all had a good summer, even though it may have been too hot for some of you! Many thanks for your contributions - it's good to hear from you all. We are also grateful to the cochlear implant companies for keeping us up to date. As always, there are a lot of articles and photographs in this edition. Please feel free to forward this Newsletter to Members of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, friends, colleagues and members of your own organisations. We are keen to increase the number of people who can read about the benefits of cochlear implantation. Let’s get the message across! If anyone you know would like to receive their own copy of this newsletter, just send me their email address. The next edition will be due in December, so please let me have your articles and jpg photos by Monday 7 December 2026. Just e-mail them to me at newsletter@eurociu.eu . As mentioned in previous editions, the ideal size is up to approximately 500 words per article, and our newsletter software only allows one image per article - although photos can be combined into a collage of several photos. I look forward to hearing from you. With every good wish. Brian Archbold (Editor) EURO-CIU NEWS – Ruud van Hardeveld, previous Secretary of EURO-CIU passed away on 5 May 2026
It is with sadness in our hearts that we inform you of the passing of Ruud van Hardeveld on May 5, 2026, at the age of 94. In the Netherlands, Ruud was a member of the Dutch Committee on Cochlear Implantation of the NVVS and was the representative of this group in EURO-CIU, where they appointed him very soon as Secretary. He performed this role excellently from May 2003 till April 2011. Ruud was a true Secretary: very careful and precise in his wording, and always impeccably professional. He also liked working with numbers, figures and statistics and discovered Microsoft Excel very quickly. At EURO-CIU, he initiated the collection of data for each European country concerning: number of children and adults with CIs; patient costs; VAT rates on Cis,…). Together with Leo De Raeve, EURO-CIU’s scientific advisor, he produced in 2014 a scientific publication in the journal *Hearing Science* titled "Prevalence of cochlear implants in Europe: what do we know and what can we expect?" This publication is still frequently cited today, as there are still few robust European prevalence studies in the field of cochlear implantation. We will never forget how much Ruud meant to EURO-CIU, and we are deeply grateful to him. We also extend our gratitude to his wife, Mieke, who always provided him with tremendous support. May the beautiful memories of Ruud be a comfort in this difficult time. Leo De Raeve, Gilles Cognat & Jean Welter European Disability Forum (EDF) – news update
Photos: (top) participants; (middle) Jonathan Elebjörk, who represents EFHOH, new EDF president Gunta Anca and Sari Hirvonen - Skarbö; (bottom) new Board The Annual General Assembly 2026 The Annual General Assembly of EDF was held in Cyprus in May. The Assembly was preceded by the Cypriot Presidency’s high-level conference “Inclusion of persons with disabilities: empowerment and support in a community for all. Meeting over 200 participants, who represented 94 organizations’ disabilities from 42 countries is always a powerful experience. The meeting place had been discussed, because of the war activities in the East. There was the possibility for online participation for those who could not travel. The Cyprus Confederation of Disability Organizations showed their hospitality and friendliness which made event successful. New leadership was elected, when EDF thanked Chairman Yannis Vardakastanis for his powerful work; he continues to work in Greece. The new President Gunta Anca was elected, as well as new members to the Executive Committee and Board for years 2026 – 2030. It was a very exciting moment voting for the Board because of the online voting process. I want to thank you all for re-election, and I’m happy to continue my work representing EURO-CIU at EDF. The most important work for me is always to encourage accessible hearing everywhere! Decisions at AGA approved the Work Plan for 2027, the accounts, activity report of 2025 and it approved new Terms of Reference for the Women’s and Youth Committee. During the meeting the launch of the updated European Disability Rights Strategy was discussed, expressing disappointment with its lack of ambition. We discussed ongoing developments with the next EU Budget, the Disability Card, Passengers’ Rights and proposed Regulation on Protection of Adults, among other subjects. Delegates were updated about persons with disabilities in Cyprus, including equal access to education and stronger access to the labour market. The panel also discussed more ambitious disability equality legislation in Sweden and a new law against hate speech, including against persons with disabilities, in Ireland.
In the beginning of September, a new version of the European Standard EN 301549 on digital accessibility was launched by the EU. This standard presents accessibility requirements and guidelines to support companies, institutions, and organizations interested in ensuring the accessibility of their digital products and services. This is an important step towards making digital technologies more accessible for people with disabilities across the European Union. It means that there are no more excuses: companies must design accessible technologies and comply with the law. Standards are voluntary if they are not integrated or mentioned in legal texts. The new version of the standard will be sent to the European Commission to verify that it fulfils all the legal requirements of the Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act. If that is the case, the Commission will refer to it in the Official Journal of the EU.
These standards are important because this concerns people with hearing loss, including Cochlear Implants users. The standard can be used to design a wide range of tech products: technologies for communication, whether by voice, real-time text, video, or a combination of these. Also, these technologies need to display accessible audiovisual content, mobile applications and technologies providing relay services and emergency services to disabilities. There are the requirements of audio clarity, reduction of background noise, providing a joint monaural option, increased range of volume and greater volume in the higher frequency. Allowing the use of Assistive Listening Devices by providing a way to connect audio, for example via headphone jacks, Bluetooth®, USB or WLAN can contribute to meeting this clause.
AUSTRIA - COCHLEA IMPLANTAT AUSTRIA – CIA Summer Days 2026 for Families
For many children with a cochlear implant, the annual CIA Summer Days in Velden, Carinthia, are much more than a holiday. There they find themselves surrounded by peers, many of whom live with cochlear implants. Despite record-breaking summer temperatures, the children and teens enjoyed a packed programme of creative and sports activities. The lakeside swimming area quickly became a favourite meeting place, while creative workshops, music sessions and theatre activities ensured there was never a dull moment. As always, information and learning played an important role for the families. In workshops, parents received practical advice on insurance, rehab and technical updates and more. Sharing experiences with one another and exchanging tips and tricks was highly valued by the participants. The Family Olympics, inspired by the World Cup theme, was one of the highlights of the week, where the families competed in fun activities that tested skill, teamwork and creativity. Another memorable moment came on the final evening, when the children and teenagers presented their theatre and music show, Champions in Action. Through songs, performances and plenty of humour, the young participants delivered a heartwarming message: the real champions are the children themselves. As in previous years, the combination of practical information, peer support and shared experiences made the Summer Days a valuable event for many families in the Austrian CI community. AUSTRIA - COCHLEA IMPLANTAT AUSTRIA – New Research on Hearing Screening
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends several mandatory hearing screenings throughout life, even for people without specific risk factors: in newborns, at early school age, and in older adulthood. With the introduction of the Newborn Hearing Screening (NHS), Austria became a pioneer and model country in this field. For older adults in Austria, however, voluntary preventive healthcare currently only provides that people aged 65 and over are asked whether they experience hearing difficulties, and general practitioners may perform a simple whisper test. The University Clinic for Hearing, Voice and Speech Disorders (HSS) in Innsbruck is now investigating the need for and feasibility of improved hearing screening for adults. Austrian Expertise in Hearing Screening As early as 1995, the Austrian ENT Society formally recommended newborn hearing screening (NHS), well before such programmes became standard practice in many countries. Since 2003, NHS has been included in the Austrian "Parent-Child Pass", a programme of examinations and preventive measures, most of which are mandatory, for pregnant women, infants and young children. The expert group HEARRING and the Hearing Health Forum EU (HHFEU) support the WHO's call for regular hearing screening for older adults: every five years for all people aged 50 and over, and every one to three years from the age of 65. As part of a large study led by the University Clinic for Neurology and involving more than 1,000 participants, the HSS University Clinic in Innsbruck is investigating:
Data evaluation is currently underway. The results could provide an important basis for introducing more advanced hearing screening into Austria's preventive health examination programme. AUSTRIA – ÖCIG – Austrian Sign Language Enters the Classroom
For the first time in the country's history, Austrian Sign Language (Österreichische Gebärdensprache, ÖGS) is being taught as a regular school subject. It is a milestone that has been a long time coming. Until 1980, Austrian curricula still contained an outright ban on sign language, and it was only in 2005 that ÖGS was formally recognised as a full language when it was anchored in the Federal Constitution. It then took another twenty years for the first actual curricula for sign-language teaching to follow. The change is arriving in two stages. For deaf and hard-of-hearing children in compulsory school, ÖGS became a standalone compulsory exercise ("verbindliche Übung") from the 2025/26 school year, and it can also be offered as an optional exercise for hearing children. Then, from the coming 2026/27 school year, ÖGS is added to the curriculum of the AHS upper level (Oberstufe) as a second living foreign language. There it ranks equally with languages such as English, French or Italian, and pupils can choose it — regardless of their hearing status — as an alternative to a second living foreign language or to Latin or Greek, and as an elective subject, which means it will also be possible to sit the Matura in ÖGS. Because of the phased rollout, the first Matura examinations in ÖGS are expected from the end of the decade. The reform matters far beyond the classroom. According to Statistics Austria, ÖGS is the first language of roughly 10,000 deaf people in Austria, and it has been recognised as a full, linguistically complete and natural language since 2005 — yet until now it barely featured in schools at all. The new curriculum was developed together with experts and the Austrian Deaf Association (Österreichischer Gehörlosenbund, ÖGLB), and Education Minister Martin Polaschek has described it as firmly embedding ÖGS in the regular school system and as an important step towards greater inclusion. For our community, the development is especially significant. The subject is open to deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing pupils alike, which means children with cochlear implants can learn ÖGS alongside their classmates and build genuinely bimodal communication skills. The ÖGLB welcomes the step while stressing that its long-term goal remains bilingual, bimodal education, in which sign language and spoken language are used side by side on an equal footing. Access to sign language in school supports communication, identity and belonging — and, for hearing peers, it opens a window onto Deaf culture and a valuable life skill. Challenges remain. Researchers point out that there is still no dedicated teaching degree for ÖGS and relatively little teaching material designed for children and young people, since most existing resources are aimed at hearing adults learning the language. At the start, ÖGS will be offered only at individual schools, and further expansion depends heavily on the availability of enough qualified teachers. There is encouraging progress on the resources side, too: a new pedagogical grammar has been developed with more than 2,500 sign-language videos to improve the quality of teaching. After decades of advocacy, ÖGS finally has its place in Austria's schools. For deaf and hard-of-hearing children — and for the many CI families in our network — it is a welcome sign that every child's language and every path to communication is being taken seriously.
Tobias Fischer References:
SPAIN – AICE – 30 Years of AICE Federation: Training, Commitment and Teamwork
Staff members from AICE Federation and its regional branches, together with volunteers and board members, gathered in Seville during the first weekend of September to take part in a training session on cochlear implants. The meeting began on Friday afternoon with a welcome from Inmaculada Soto, President of AICE Federation, followed by an introduction activity that allowed the nearly 40 participants to get to know one another, share their experiences and strengthen the connections between the different regional branches. Saturday’s training session featured Dr Serafín Sánchez, Head of the ENT Department at Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville and President of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology, who congratulated AICE on its 30 years of work. Throughout the day, different professionals addressed topics including hearing loss, the pathway to cochlear implantation, audiological assessments, the importance of speech and language therapy and Auditory-Verbal Therapy, as well as cochlear implant processors, accessories, maintenance and care. The main cochlear implant manufacturers also took part, presenting their devices, accessories and latest developments. The session concluded with a presentation by Inmaculada Soto on the essential role of associations in supporting cochlear implant users throughout their journey. The weekend was characterised by celebration and a strong spirit of unity. During Saturday’s dinner, participants celebrated AICE Federation’s 30th anniversary by blowing out the candles and raising a toast to many more years of work supporting cochlear implant users, candidates and their families. On Sunday, the group enjoyed a solar boat trip along the Guadalquivir River, taking in some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks. It was a memorable weekend that strengthened teamwork, professional knowledge and the sense of unity within AICE Federation across Spain. TURKEY – Cochlear Implant Association (CID) Türkiye – Together We Achieved, Now It Is Time to Inspire
From 20–22 June 2026, the Cochlear Implant Association (CID) Türkiye, in cooperation with TİKA, brought together cochlear implant users, families and professionals for the programme “Together We Achieved, Now It Is Time to Inspire.” Held at Near East University in Lefkoşa, Cyprus, ranked among the world’s top 500 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the programme supported knowledge and experience sharing in hearing health. The first day opened with the “Stories Heard Through Colours” exhibition featuring artists Çise Özılgaz, Gülce Özsaltık and Tünay Özyay. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Aslan and Hüseyin Onur İpek, a cochlear implant user and CID Secretary General, hosted the programme.. Opening speakers included Aylin Özgür, President of the CID and Vice President of EURO-CIU; Prof. Dr. Gonca Sennaroğlu; Prof. Dr. Esra Yücel; Dr. Nesrin Özsaraç; Emine Mine Sönmez Bozat; and Bahire Doğru. Health Minister Dr. Hakan Dinçyürek addressed participants. Ümit Mehmet Tezel and Pars Doygunel performed on piano, Ardan Bozat gave a basketball demonstration, and Efe Özgür, an Auditory Brainstem Implant user, presented an awareness project based on “Together for hearing health through the unifying power of sport.” Participants received plaques in recognition of their contributions. A central part of the day was the fifth “Together We Achieved, Now It Is Time to Inspire” panel, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Aslan, with Hüseyin Onur İpek (expert biologist), Betül Mutluç (CID Vice President – sociologist), Hatice Karataş (computer engineer) and Deray Derim (educational audiologist). They discussed adaptation, education, family support, accessibility, professional life, rehabilitation, technology and common misconceptions. For the first time, the programme introduced “Families Tell Their Stories: Experiences from the Hearing Journey”, moderated by Aylin Özgür with Gülçin Özsaltık, Rana Serdaroğlu and Salise Doygunel. Families reflected on diagnosis, acceptance, information-seeking, surgery decisions, activation, rehabilitation, education and social life. The session highlighted that diagnosis and treatment are not only medical processes, but a multidimensional journey involving families’ emotional, social and decision-making experiences. The second and third days featured expert presentations: Prof. Dr. Ayça Çiprut on diagnosis and intervention; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duygu Duman on hearing loss and genetics; Specialist Hatice Eğitmen on newborn hearing screening in Cyprus; Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Küçük Ceyhan on auditory processing disorder; Specialist Müjgan Demir on newborn hearing screening; Specialist Bensu Akçin on mapping; Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebru Kösemihal on auditory amplification; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Görkem Ertuğrul on paediatric vestibular rehabilitation; Specialist Banu Ergünal Köse on speech and language development; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Aslan on cognitive processes in auditory rehabilitation; Specialist Ayten Yaşamsal Ekdal on language and auditory perception; and Specialist Audiologist Sevginar Önder on clinical follow-up of individuals with additional disabilities. Interactive question-and-answer sessions enabled participants to engage with experts and share experiences. The programme concluded with remarks by Aylin Özgür and TİKA Health Projects Coordinator Nejla Demirdağ, who expressed the hope of reaching more implant users and families in future. Aylin Özgür
President of the Cochlear Implant Association (CID Türkiye) LEHNHARDT FOUNDATION – Kyrgyzstan – A second chance to hear: Aitbek receives his second Speech Processor
Photo: Left to Right: Lena Seyfried (with one of her own children), Nishangul Tajibaeva with Aitbek Toyushbekov, and Aitbek with his mother, Roza For young Aitbek Toyushbekov from Kyrgyzstan, his cochlear implants and speech processors are much more than technical devices. They give him access to sound and speech and enable him to communicate, learn, develop and participate actively in everyday life. Aitbek received his first cochlear implant and speech processor with the support of the Lehnhardt Foundation. This support was an important milestone for Aitbek and his family, giving him access to hearing and opening new opportunities for his development, education and future. As Aitbek grew, his hearing needs developed further. A second cochlear implant was surgically placed in his other ear, so that he could benefit from bilateral hearing. This was an important step towards improved access to sound and speech and greater opportunities for communication, learning and participation in everyday life. Aitbek has now received his second speech processor through the Lehnhardt Foundation, made possible by the support of Lena Seyfried, who chose Aitbek as her first sponsored child. Through this sponsorship, she has chosen to accompany Aitbek personally and support him on his journey, taking the title of godmother. Her commitment made it possible to provide Aitbek with the speech processor he needed and to ensure that he could benefit fully from his bilateral cochlear implants. For Lena Seyfried, this sponsorship is also a very personal commitment. She explains: “I am a mother of two boys who are around Aitbek’s age. This made me feel an even stronger connection to his situation and motivated me to choose Aitbek as my first sponsored child.” For Aitbek and his family, receiving support for a second time is particularly meaningful. His mother, Rosa Emilbek kyzy, expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “This support means much more to us than simply receiving a modern technical device. It gives our son the opportunity to maintain his hearing, continue his development and education, and have the chance to live a full and active life in society. The fact that our family has received support for Aitbek for the second time has deeply touched us and strengthened our faith in humanity, kindness and charity.” Aitbek himself also sees the new speech processor as an important opportunity to continue his life with greater confidence and he said (translated): “Thank you, Monika Granny and my sponsor mommy Lena!” Aitbek’s story illustrates the importance of long-term access to hearing technology. Cochlear implantation is not the end of the journey. Timely access to the necessary equipment is essential to ensure that children can benefit from their implants, continue communicating and learning, and participate fully in everyday life. This story also demonstrates the importance of personal commitment and sustainable support. A sponsorship can go beyond financial assistance: it can create a personal connection and provide a child with the continuity and security needed to develop and look towards the future with confidence. Through the first sponsorship of Lena Seyfried and the support of the Lehnhardt Foundation, Aitbek can continue his journey with bilateral hearing — hearing, learning, communicating and building his future with confidence. Nishangul Tajibaeva CIICA, with Frontiers in Audiology and Otology, is delighted to share: Where Science Meets Experience: Increasing global access to cochlear implants and sustainable cochlear implant services
CIICA is excited to announce that we have partnered with Frontiers in Audiology and Otology to curate a special issue on the theme of When Science Meets Experience: Increasing global access to Cochlear Implants and Sustainable Cochlear Implant Services. This theme mirrors the work that CIICA has been engaged in over the last five years, and the editors for the volume reflect the CIICA network. “…the extraordinary breadth of work your community is doing around equitable access to cochlear implants, early implantation outcomes, hearing implant economics, and quality of life across diverse global settings. It struck me as a genuinely compelling body of work that deserves a much wider platform.” Frontiers Editor The proposed collection of papers will focus on the intersection between scientific knowledge and patient experience to collect, analyse and develop policy on improving access to CI and the development of sustainable services. The focus will be on the analysis and translation of existing medical and social research, health policy and patient experiences to inform changing policy and practice on Cochlear Implant access and provision in the future. We encourage medical and social science researchers with an interest in this area within and beyond the CIICA network to engage with this important and groundbreaking work. The invitation to submit papers is now open, and you can find the full details at the Frontiers website here: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82913/when-science-meets-experience-increasing-global-access-to-cochlear-implants-and-sustainable-cochlear-implant-services “Where Science Meets Experience” captures exactly the gap you described: the science is abundant, the translation into policy, services and patient experience is not.” EURO-CIU is a founding member of CIICA CIICA Project – Parents' voices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
CIICA is proud to launch Parents’ Stories: Raising Awareness of Cochlear Implants for Children and Infants in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. We received 75 stories from 19 countries across the world, which highlight the challenges, determination and successes in accessing and using CIs and corresponding services for their children in low- and middle-income countries, as part of Ear and Hearing Care. Our ambition? To turn parents’ experiences into meaningful change in policy and practice. “Never give up. The earlier you seek help, explore options, and knock on doors, the better.” Parent, Paraguay A huge thank you for all the wonderful stories from across the globe, from people who have taken the time to share their journey so that we can all learn from each other. These powerful stories shine a light on the realities families face and will help identify key challenges and themes to inform a report launching at the CIICA Conference in Brussels this October.
Read the stories and explore the new resource: 75 stories. 19 countries. One powerful collective voice. Our LMIC project team grew from CIICA Conversations over the last few years. Please visit www.ciicanet.org/events to read the meeting summaries which led to this research project. EURO-CIU is a founding member of CIICA RELATED CONGRESS – USHER Austria Patient Symposium 2026 – 3 October 2026
Photo: Dominique Sturz
Hear the leading experts from ERN-Eye Network! Date: 3rd October 2026, 13:30 -16:30 CEST Location: Palais Liechtenstein, Fürstengasse 1, 1090 Vienna Audience: People living with Inherited Retinal Diseases: Austrian patients/family/patient representatives/members of the community Language: English, Wrap-Up in German Organiser: Dominique Sturz, Usher Initiative Austria, ERN-Eye ePAG Chair We are pleased to invite you to a unique and exciting meeting, taking place in Austria for the very first time. This long-awaited event has been on the wish list of many interested patients, families and members of the community for a long time, and we are delighted to finally make it happen as a side event of the 26th EURETINA Congress in Vienna. Registration is now open and places are limited, so please register now using the link below. We are looking forward to welcoming you!
Register now
Details to follow soon.
RELATED CONGRESS – Deafblind UK Conference 2026 – 8 October 2026 – 09.30 to 17:00 BST Online
We know that touch is central to the lives of many Deafblind people. It is not just another sense – it is often the main way to access information, communicate, build relationships and feel part of the world. This year's online conference, In Touch: Exploring touch, tactility and deafblindness, has been created to explore the power of touch and tactility from many different angles. We are bringing together the Deafblind community, families, carers, practitioners, academics, technologists and researchers to share knowledge, experience and ideas. Cochlear implant user, Russ Palmer, and his wife, Riitta Lahtinen, will be speaking at the conference. Their session, ‘Lived Experience and Research in Social-Haptic Communication and Vibrosensoric Perception’, draws on more than 35 years of shared experience, research and professional practice. They will be discussing the development of Social-Haptic Communication and the growth of touch messages, or haptices, which are now used internationally to support communication, participation and access to information for people with deafblindness. What we will explore at the conference:
Understanding touch
The science of touch
Tactile communication
Being “in touch”: emotional connections Through In Touch, we want to inform, challenge and inspire. Our aim is to strengthen understanding of touch, promote innovation that truly supports Deafblind people, and build a stronger sense of community across everyone involved in deafblindness. We invite you to join us on 8th October 2026 as we explore and celebrate the power of touch in all its forms. RELATED CONGRESS – The Third CIICA Conference – CI Advocacy in Action 2026: 22 & 23 October 2026, Brussels
Photos (left to right): Rob Beenders & Andrej Kral Where Science Meets Experience | Advocating for Sustainable, Lifelong CI services globally When: Thursday 22nd October 2026 from 09:00 to 17:00 and Friday 23rd October 2026 from 09:00 to 17:00. Free evening reception, Wednesday 21 October. Where: Maison des Associations Internationales 40 Rue Washington, Brussels, 1050. Ticket Price: 365 euros, plus booking fee If you are a CI user, you may be eligible for a 50% discount on the ticket price. Please email us at info@ciicanet.org and we will send you a discount code to apply at the checkout. OUTLINE PROGRAMME AVAILABLE HERE Come and join us to add your voice to the network and help us to move CI Advocacy forward across the globe! "Access to ci shouldn't depend on your age or how well you navigate the system. Get ci advocacy on the agenda - politicians aren't waiting for you!" Rob Beenders (Belgian Minister and ci user) Building on the impact of our first two global conferences in Brussels, our third inspiring conference ‘CI Advocacy in Action 2026’ will bring together the network of CI users, families, professionals, academics, industry and policy makers and funders from across the globe together to share our advocacy goals. See the excitement of 2025’s conference here! As Astrid Van Wieringen, President of the International Society of Audiology says "CIICA: Where Science Meets Experience! Progress is made where scientific knowledge and lived experience work side by side." Professor Graeme Clark sends an inspiring video message from Melbourne, reflecting on the remarkable journey of cochlear implantation and looking ahead to its future. With increasing global funding and resources for Ear and Hearing Care, in 2026 we will be exploring:
These and other issues will be addressed in a lively and vibrant two days, in this unique inclusive conference learning from each other and building collaboration across the globe. Many collaborations have been established at our first two conferences – Making a difference across the globe. Come and join us! “Very unique and inspirational, thank you for making it happen” Delegate RELATED CONGRESS – CI Forum 2026 – Staying in the conversation: Cochlear implants in old age – 7 November 2026
This year, the CI Forum will focus on senior citizens. Doctors and specialists from the University Hospital Bern will present new research findings, discuss the challenges and opportunities of cochlear implantation in old age, and give practical tips. Pro Audito Switzerland also presents support services for older people with cochlear implants. At lunch, you will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and network, and you can visit the exhibition of CI manufacturers. Location University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland From Roll-Str. 10 4600 Olten Speakers from the Hearing Implants Center University Hospital for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases (ENT), Head and Neck Surgery Bern
Other speakers
For further details and Registration, please click here. RELATED CONGRESS – British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG) Annual Conference – 23-24 March 2027
Sponsorship & Exhibition opportunities available: alice.roberts4@ouh.nhs.uk RELATED CONGRESS – EURO-CIU Symposium and General Assembly – 9 & 10 April 2027
RELATED CONGRESS – ESPO 2027 – Prague – 17-20 April 2027
Where: Prague Congress Centre Registration: More information coming soon For further information, please contact: espo2027@abbey.ie Abstract submission is now open until 30 November 2026
Welcome From ESPO 2027 Programme Committee It is our great pleasure to invite you to the ESPO 2027 in Prague, a city embodying the theme “Prague as a Unifying European City”, bridging East and West, history and modernity. Czech pediatric otorhinolaryngology, with roots dating back to the post-World War II era, flourished in later decades through pioneering advances in endoscopy and otosurgery. Today, as a specialized field with its own distinct certification, it thrives in two leading centres Prague and Brno, and proudly contributes to the European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (ESPO). This organization has grown with significant Czech involvement from a European Working Group of Pediatric Otolaryngologists into a distinguished society. Prague, a symbol of European unity, provides an inspiring backdrop for sharing innovations and fostering collaboration. We look forward to insightful lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities, that will advance care for young patients and create lasting memories.
Jiří Skřivan, Zdeněk Čada, Milan Urík and Jan Plzák, RELATED CONGRESS – CI2027 San Diego – 12-15 May 2027
Save the Date |CI2027 San Diego | May 12–15, 2027 The American Cochlear Implant Alliance is hosting its premier Conference on Cochlear Implants in San Diego, California, and it's an event worth putting on your radar. CI2027 brings together leading experts across disciplines for four days of engaging sessions, cutting-edge research, workshops, and collaborative discussions — all focused on advancing the science and care of cochlear implants. For educators and administrators supporting students with cochlear implants, this is a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with professionals across the field, and bring back cutting edge insights for your educational community. Visit ci2027sandiego.org for conference details, registration, and more. Where: Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, CA 92101, USA CI2027 Conference Themes:
We look forward to seeing you in San Diego for another exciting conference filled with collaboration, education, and connection! CI2027 San Diego - American Cochlear Implant Alliance. RELATED CONGRESS – 18th European Symposium on Pediatric Cochlear Implantation – 26 – 29 May 2027
On behalf of the Croatian Society for Cochlear Implantation, it is a pleasure and great honour to host the 18th European Symposium on Pediatric Cochlear Implantation 2027 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. ESPCI 2027 celebrates the 35th anniversary of the first ESPCI in Nottingham, England, organized by Sue Archbold and Gerard O’Donoghue in 1992. Since then, a symposium has been held in Europe every other year with increasing interest and size; in Montpellier, Hannover, ‘S-Hertogenbosch, Antwerp, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Geneva, Venice, Warsaw, Athens, Istanbul, Toulouse, Lisbon, Bucharest, Budapest, Rotterdam and Hannover again. ESPCI became one of the largest international events focusing on pediatric cochlear implantation that has gained reputation as a leading meeting in the field of auditory implants in children. It represents a good occasion to bring together scientists, clinicians, engineers, speech therapists and technicians to share their valuable knowledge and experience. Dubrovnik, as the host of the ESPCI 2027, as well as a UNESCO city, will offer the delegates an inspiring meeting, with renewing keynote lectures, sponsored symposia, oral and poster presentations and a networking evening on Friday, May 28, 2027. Abstract submission will open in the second half of 2026, as will congress registration. On behalf of the Local Organizing and Scientific Committee Members, we are convinced that we will be able to provide an outstanding international meeting with many participants from all countries across Europe as well as other continents. Welcome! Subscribe to the ESPCI newsletter here.
Prof. Dr. Robert Trotić and Prof. Dr. Andro Košec WORLD NEWS – European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (ESPO) – Surveys
On behalf of the Young ESPO Committee, we are pleased to invite you to participate in two surveys developed in close collaboration with and under the guidance of the ESPO Board.
The two surveys address distinct areas of paediatric hearing care and therefore require input from colleagues with different areas of expertise:
Ideally, we would be grateful to receive one coordinated response to each survey from every hospital or centre. As the questionnaires address different topics, they may be completed by different colleagues with the relevant expertise, either independently or in consultation with one another. We strongly encourage each centre to contribute to both surveys where possible; however, if only one questionnaire can be completed, this contribution would still be highly valuable and greatly appreciated. Each survey takes approximately five to ten minutes to complete. Email address: espo@abbey.ie
Thank you very much for contributing to these important projects. The Young ESPO Committee WORLD NEWS – UK – BATOD – Bluetooth hearing aids and examination – Revised guidance
In 2023, BATOD’s statutory assessment and examination access arrangements working group was made aware that deaf students had been advised to remove their hearing aids in exams. BATOD provided guidance to BATOD members, other members of the deaf education community, JCQ, Qualifications Scotland, and Ofqual’s Access Consultation Forum. This updated BATOD, BAEA and ALTWG guidance sets out the procedures for managing Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implant processors, or bone conduction hearing devices and assistive listening technology (ALT) in GCSE/Nationals, AS and A level/Advanced Highers examinations, ensuring compliance with JCQ/Qualification Scotland regulations while supporting equitable access for deaf candidates. Launch of the fourth edition of Language of Examinations BATOD has a long history of advocating for fair access arrangements, particularly the principles underpinning language of examinations. Early work on language modification emerged from concerns about the accessibility of examinations for deaf learners in higher education, with discussions beginning in the 1970s and the first edition of Language of Examinations subsequently published in 1989. The fourth edition of Language of Examinations is a collaborative publication. The publication is designed as a practical resource supporting professionals to make language more accessible across classroom learning, teaching, assessment and examinations for learners who may experience linguistic barriers. Join us to celebrate the launch of the fourth edition of Language of Examinations. This webinar brings together the organisations and professionals involved in and supporting the fourth edition, recognising our shared role in improving access for deaf learners and others who may experience language-related barriers. The webinar, hosted by RCSLT, is for Qualified Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People, speech and language therapists, teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs/ALNCos, specialist teachers and assessors, examination and assessment professionals, and others who have an impact on learners with language-related needs. ⏱️ 28 September, 4 – 5.30pm Find out more and register via this link. WORLD NEWS – USA – ACI Alliance update
ACI Alliance | Medicaid Advocacy Toolkit: Protecting Access to Cochlear Implant Care Medicaid is often the difference between access and no access. Cochlear implantation is not a one-time procedure. Access to care includes an entire continuum—from hearing evaluations and candidacy assessments to surgery, programming, rehabilitation, replacement equipment, and ongoing follow-up throughout a patient's life. But coverage alone does not always guarantee access. Changes in Medicaid financing, state policies, coverage requirements, and administrative processes can create barriers that delay or limit the care patients need. Understanding how Medicaid works—and knowing how to advocate when barriers arise—is essential. The ACI Alliance Medicaid Advocacy Toolkit provides advocates with practical resources to move from understanding the issue to taking action. Access the full toolkit here: Advocacy Toolkit - American Cochlear Implant Alliance ACI Alliance Testifies Before USTR on Section 301 Tariffs On July 9, Donna Sorkin, founding Director of the American Cochlear Implant (ACI) Alliance and a cochlear implant recipient, testified on behalf of ACI Alliance before the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) during the public hearing on the Section 301 Investigation concerning forced labor import practices. In her testimony, Sorkin emphasized that cochlear implants are highly specialized, FDA-approved medical devices that provide access to hearing for children and adults with severe to profound hearing loss and that maintaining reliable access to these technologies is essential. Drawing on her own experience, Sorkin shared that receiving a cochlear implant allowed her to remain in the workforce. She contrasted this with the experience of her father, who retired on medical disability at age 52 because profound hearing loss prevented him from performing essential communication responsibilities at work. Participation in the hearing provided ACI Alliance with an opportunity to present the unique perspective of the cochlear implant community directly to federal trade officials. Through both written comments and testimony, ACI Alliance continues to advocate for federal policies that protect access to medically necessary hearing technologies while supporting ethical and responsible global trade practices. As a result, USTR has upheld the exemption for implantable hearing technologies to enter the U.S. duty-free, largely due to public comment process and testimony. This means the proposed tariffs on Australian goods will not disrupt access to cochlear implants for Americans. ACI Alliance Cochlear Implant Advocacy Overview - American Cochlear Implant Alliance ADVANCED BIONICS – Between Silence and Sound: Mia’s Inspiring Journey with Bilateral Cochlear Implants
What does it take to turn challenges into opportunities? For Mia, the answer is resilience, determination, and the support of those around her. Deaf since childhood, Mia received her first cochlear implant at a young age and later became a bilateral cochlear implant recipient. Today, she continues to thrive while exploring new opportunities and following her passions. Her journey reflects the life-changing impact that hearing technology can have, while also highlighting the resilience and determination that drive personal success. “With cochlear implants, I’ve learned to embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes my way. They’ve helped me find confidence, independence, and the freedom to pursue my dreams.” – Mia From overcoming obstacles to achieving personal milestones, Mia’s story offers inspiration for anyone navigating hearing loss and for families considering cochlear implants. Her experience is a reminder that hearing technology can help open doors to connection, confidence, and new possibilities. Want to learn more about Mia’s inspiring journey? Read the full story on Advanced Bionics’ blog, CONNECTIONS. ADVANCED BIONICS – AB ListenFit: Take Control of Your Hearing Journey
The AB ListenFit app from Advanced Bionics let you experience the ease of tracking your hearing performance at home or on the move! AB ListenFit offers a range of self-assessments, including the Phoneme Test and Matrix Sentence Test, allowing users to evaluate their ability to hear and understand in various everyday situations. Set goals, receive instant results, and track your hearing progress over time. It's easy to stay motivated to continue training your hearing and stay involved in your hearing care! A simple, exciting way to stay involved in your hearing care. Checking your hearing progress from wherever you are: Choose from a list of quick and simple tests. Check how well you're hearing different sounds and numbers or discover your ability to understand sentences in noise. Stay Confident: AB ListenFit allows you to track your personal goals over time, making it easy to stay motivated to continue training your hearing. With results that you can see, you are in control of your hearing journey. Easy to Use: AB ListenFit requires no login and is available in many languages. Get helpful information and support through links in the app. Download AB ListenFit Today Begin your journey towards better hearing today! Download now on the App Store or Google Play. AB ListenFit is compatible with Marvel CI and/or Phonak Link M Hearing Aid. AB ListenFit is designed for adults and children aged 13 and older, and for younger children with caregiver assistance. This app is to be used as an educational resource for tracking your hearing journey. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice or be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any medical concerns about managing your cochlear implant(s). COCHLEAR – From First Sounds to Future Possibilities
Some journeys begin with a single sound, and blossom into a lifetime of possibilities. Meet Zuzana, 31, who was born with profound bilateral hearing loss. When doctors confirmed her diagnosis at around age two, her parents faced an uncertain future. They dreamed of a life where their daughter could speak, connect, and thrive without limitations. At just three years old, Zuzana experienced sound and heard human speech for the first time through a hearing aid: “I heard my first sounds and human speech for the first time. It was a huge shock for me, and also a miracle.” At 10, Zuzana received her first Cochlear™ Nucleus® 24 Esprit™ 3G Sound Processor, marking the beginning of her transformative journey with Cochlear Implant technology. A decade later came the Nucleus 6 Sound Processor, and in January 2026, she upgraded to the Nucleus 8 Sound Processor. In her experience, the upgrade has made a noticeable difference. She can now hear the richness of everyday sounds and even enjoy phone calls with her parents and boyfriend via Bluetooth® through her sound processor. Today, Zuzana works as a preschool teacher at a village kindergarten, communicating confidently in everyday conversation and building meaningful connections. The children have always embraced her Cochlear Sound Processor with curiosity and kindness. In April, Zuzana began maternity leave as she and her partner have welcomed their first child. She's already looking ahead and plans to use the Aqua+ kit so she can take her little one to swimming lessons, creating new memories in the water together. Every hearing journey is unique. From first sounds to first steps as a mother, Zuzana's journey shows us what's possible when technology, determination, and love come together. She says her cochlear implants have helped her build connections, gain confidence, and embrace new opportunities throughout her life. Learn more about the benefits of upgrading by clicking here. COCHLEAR – Cochlear implant care is changing. Now is the time to rethink the pathway.
More people are expected to benefit from cochlear implants in the years ahead. At the same time, cochlear implant clinics are supporting a growing number of recipients living longer and healthier lives, often with limited staff, time and clinical space. This presents an important question for clinics, professionals, users and families: How can we provide excellent, personalised support to more people, while ensuring that cochlear implant services remain sustainable for the future? Moving from traditional schedules to individual needs The number and timing of appointments offered after cochlear implantation can vary considerably between clinics. Some pathways have developed over many years and may still rely on routine appointment schedules that do not always reflect an individual recipient’s needs, progress or personal circumstances. Today, there is an opportunity to relook at these pathways. An evidence-led, patient-centred approach can help clinics decide what support each person needs, when they need it and how it can best be provided. For some people, this will continue to mean regular face-to-face appointments. For others, appropriate elements of care may be delivered remotely, reducing unnecessary travel while maintaining access to professional support. The aim is not simply to reduce appointments. It is to ensure that every appointment has a clear purpose and that care is responsive to the individual and results in improved outcomes. Why this matters to cochlear implant users and families Attending a clinic appointment can involve much more than the appointment itself. Some recipients travel considerable distances, take time away from work or education, arrange childcare or rely on a family member for transport and support. Mobility, health and financial circumstances may create additional challenges. When an in-person appointment is clinically necessary or preferred, it should remain available. However, where a routine assessment can be completed safely and effectively from home, remote care may offer people more flexibility and reduce avoidable disruption. A modern care pathway should offer choice, not a one-size-fits-all model. Combining digital care with personal clinical support Digital services such as Cochlear® Remote Check and Remote Assist can enable eligible recipients to complete certain routine assessments or connect with their clinic from home using the NucleusTM Smart App. If a clinician identifies something that requires further investigation, a face-to-face appointment can be arranged. You can explore a demonstration of Remote Check by downloading the Nucleus Smart App and scanning this QR code. Availability and eligibility should be discussed with the individual’s cochlear implant clinic. More information about remote care can be found through your regional Cochlear website under “Device support”. Creating capacity where it is needed most When routine care is organised according to evidence and individual need, clinics may be able to reduce appointments that provide limited additional value. The clinical time released can then be reinvested in areas where direct support is most needed, including:
This is an important distinction. The goal is not less care. The goal is better-targeted care. Cochlear is supporting clinics in driving change Changing an established care pathway requires collaboration. Clinics need to consider clinical evidence, local resources, patient feedback, digital access and the needs of their population. Cochlear implant users and families should have a meaningful voice in that process. We have been partnering with clinics through workshops across Europe to help identify opportunities and support them through this transition. Now is the right time for clinics to review whether their current pathways are ready for the future. MED-EL – Hearpeers Community Now Available in DACH Region
On 21 July, MED-EL successfully launched the Hearpeers Community in the DACH region, creating a new German-language online platform for hearing implant users to connect with, support, and learn from each other. The launch builds on the success of the global Hearpeers Community launch, which welcomed more than 1,300 registered users in just a few months. The Hearpeers Community is:
Explore the Hearpeers Community in English or German and help others discover the value of peer support along their hearing journey. MED-EL – Hearing Health Forum Officially Established in Belgium
The Hearing Health Forum, formerly HHFEU, is now officially registered under Belgian law as an international non-profit association (IVZW). EURO-CIU is one of the Forum’s three key partners, alongside MED-EL and HEARRING, ensuring that the perspectives of cochlear implant users and their families are represented in its work. This milestone gives the Forum an independent legal foundation and strengthens it as a multi-stakeholder platform for advancing hearing health across Europe. The new structure will support long-term collaboration and reinforce the Forum’s voice in dialogue with European policymakers and institutions. EURO-CIU President Tobias Fischer also serves on the Forum’s Board, helping to shape its strategic direction. Together, the partners will continue working to make hearing health a political and public health priority across Europe. Follow the Hearing Health Forum on LinkedIn to stay up to date with its activities. MED-EL – Global Survey Highlights Progress and Remaining Challenges for the CI Community
A new international survey commissioned by MED-EL and conducted among more than 10,000 adults in ten countries shows that public awareness of cochlear implants remains far too low: While 37% of respondents have at least heard of cochlear implants, more than four in ten adults have never heard of them. However, only 21% say they know how they work. This demonstrates that, despite growing visibility, public understanding of cochlear implants remains limited. When asked about the importance of hearing, respondents overwhelmingly associated it with communication and human connection. The most frequently cited reason for good hearing was the ability to communicate and stay connected with others (41%), followed by hearing and engaging with loved ones, personal safety, social participation, and emotional wellbeing. The survey also revealed a generally positive attitude towards hearing technology. More than 85% of respondents said they would definitely or probably use a hearing device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, if they needed one. However, actual uptake remains considerably lower, suggesting that factors such as stigma, lack of information, and delayed diagnosis continue to prevent many people from seeking treatment. In fact, more than half of the survey respondents believe there is still some stigma associated with hearing aids and hearing implants, although many feel it is less severe than in the past. Perhaps most importantly, a majority of respondents felt that society does not know enough about hearing loss. Take-home message from the 2026 Market Research: The findings highlight the need for continued awareness and education efforts. Organisations such as EURO-CIU and national support groups play an essential role in improving public education, raising awareness, and sharing personal experiences, ensuring that more people can benefit from the hearing solutions they need, including cochlear implants. Source: Research Without Barriers (RWB), March 2026, survey of 10,039 adults in Austria, Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the UK and the USA. |
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