We have several exciting research projects currently on-going at the Scottish Cochlear Implant Programme.
BEARS
BEARS (Both EARS) is a project looking at improving the outcomes for children age 8-16 with bilateral implants. Contact us if you would like to know more about taking part. Click here to read more.
COACH
COACH (Comparing cochlear implants with hearing aids in adults with severe hearing loss) is a project is looking for adults who are close to, but do not meet the current NHS criteria. More information can be found here or please contact us to discuss.
Conference Presentations
Members of the Scottish Cochlear Implant Team regularly present their research at National and International conferences. Read more.
British Cochlear Implant Group Conference 2026. Glasgow, UK
The British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG) hosted its 2026 annual conference in Glasgow on 21–22 April 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The theme, “Sound Futures – Innovation, Access and Collaboration,” showcased advances in cochlear implant technology, expanding access to care, and fostering collaboration across clinical, scientific, and community groups.
The programme included keynote presentations, clinical updates, and dedicated sessions such as a new Rehab Champions programme, which focused on parent–child interaction, mental health, and strengthening rehabilitation practices for cochlear implant users across the UK.
Members of the Scottish Cochlear Implant Programme team had a key role in organising and hosting the event, and some presented posters outlining their current reseach:
How did your MRI scan go?
Robbie, Clinical Scientist, presented findings from a questionnaire sent to CI recipients who have had recent MRIs
Linguistic Equality in CI Assessment
Jane, Head of Service, presented her work developing a "language independent" speech test which aims to improve accuracy of CI assessment in UK populations where English is not spoken
Empowering Young People with CI
Brogan, Speech and Language Therapist, presented a summary of a recent event held in Scotland to empower young people with cochlear implants.
International Congress on Deafness, Hearing Impairment and Deafblindness: Advances, Challenges and the Future. Tenerife, Spain
Jane Gallacher and Brogan Thomson presented on "Rehabilitation of children with bilateral cochlear implants: The Scottish experience". It was fascinating to compare experiences and resources across an international communitiy of rehabilitationists. Other highlights included learning some Spanish sign language and apprearing live on Tenerife radio!
British Cochlear Implant Group Conference 2025. London, UK
At the BCIG conference (2025) three members of the team presented posters outlining their current research:
Shared Decision Making Tool For Cochlear Implants
Robbie Evans, Clinical Scientist, presented his work on developing a new tool to help prospective cochlear implant users understand whether an implant would help them.
Co-production: South Asian Community
Jane, Head of Service, presented her work looking at increasing access to hearing healthcare in underserved populations (Co-production with the South Asian Community to increase engagement).
Same Day Discharge For Cochlear Implants
Lyndsay, Consultant ENT surgeon, presented her study looking at the efficacy of same day discharges following Cochlear Implant surgery.
Current cochlear implant research
If you are interested in cochlear implant research you may find the links below interesting.
Access
Rehabilitation
Devices and Programming
New Therapies