Conference: Cochlear Implant Advocacy in Action (2025)
Location: Brussels, Belgium

The Theme: Where Science Meets Experience

This year’s theme, “Where Science Meets Experience,” brought together 120 delegates from 32 countries, including 40 cochlear implant users. It was an inspiring gathering of clinicians, researchers, advocates, and CI users working together to strengthen global collaboration and ensure sustainable, lifelong cochlear implant services.

Lee's Presentation

Lee presented Advocating for Adult Cochlear Implants, sharing New Zealand’s experience of how consumer-driven advocacy has achieved meaningful change — from real-life storytelling and media engagement to direct lobbying that helped increase funding for adult cochlear implants from 40 to 120 per year nationally.

His presentation focused on the power of volunteer and consumer voices in shaping better hearing health systems. When people with lived experience are trained and supported to advocate, they become the driving force for change - educating the public, influencing policy, and building community connections that last.

From the Pioneer of the Coclear Implant

One of the most memorable moments of the conference came from Professor Graeme Clark, pioneer of the cochlear implant, who reminded delegates:

“In this era of globalisation, it’s important to share the benefits of biomedical engineering and technology so more people can communicate effectively.”

The Strength of Connection

Across three days of presentations, workshops, and collaboration, one theme stood out - the strength of connection. Every story, every idea, and every shared challenge reflected CIICA’s mission: uniting the science of hearing with the lived experience of those who depend on it.

For the Pindrop Foundation and NCIT, participation in this global event reinforces our commitment to ensuring New Zealand continues to lead the way in equitable access, advocacy, and lifelong care for people with cochlear implants.

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Here are a few moments from Brussels:

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