Parents’ Voices on CI in low- and middle- income countries

A new report from Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA) shares the perspective of parents from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) about their experiences in obtaining CI for their children. 

The prevalence of paediatric hearing loss in low- and middle-income countries is over three times that expected in high-income countries, but access to hearing healthcare, including cochlear implants, is significantly more difficult. 

Nevertheless, some resilient families – with equally resilient professionals – have managed to obtain CI for their children. In 2025, Carolina Der from the World Health Organisation established a collaboration with parents and clinicians to share challenges about CI in LMIC to explore the reality of family experiences and how policy and practice could be influenced. The responses to the call came from 75 families from 19 countries across 5, all providing their experiences with obtaining hearing technology, audiology services and language intervention, as well as educational support. 
 


These stories are available now on CIICA’s website. CIICA describe them as “a unique repository of hope and determination," and quote Astrid Van Wieringen, former president of the International Society of Audiology, saying:  "Progress is made where scientific knowledge and lived experience work side by side.” 

Dr Hillary Ganek and students at Canada’s Brock University are currently analysing the stories to identify the barriers and facilitators of cochlear implantation in LMICs. The report Parents’ Voices in Low and Middle Income Countries will be launched at the CIICA conference in Brussels in October, with recommendations to direct advocacy priorities.

The conference, Advocacy in Action, takes place in Brussels, 22-23 October. See our Preview:
https://www.entandaudiologynews.com/events/event/ci-advocacy-in-action-2026