British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG)

BCIG is a unique group of health care professionals and other interested parties in cochlear implant provision in the UK.

BCIG Aims & HistoryIt might be fair to say that the principles of BCIG gradually emerged as the benefits of cochlear implants became more tangible. Commercial multichannel implants were introduced in to the UK in 1988, funded by charity. One of the first meetings on cochlear implants in the overall management of hearing impairment took place on February 24 1989. Speakers, included were Graham Fraser, Roger Thornton, Huw Cooper, Christine Harding (a patient), Damien Bains’ mother, Richard Ramsden and Sue Roberts. Constitutional organisation for a formal BCIG took place later in the year.

The main focus at that time was coordination of centres in response to Government funding for a 3 year assessment, over seen by Quentin Summerfield and David Marshall. The study successfully showed that CIs were both clinically and cost effective in the treatment of severe to profound hearing loss. It also saw the transformation of funding from charity to the National Health Service.

BCIG has the following aims:
• To promote all medical, surgical, audiological, educational, rehabilitative and research aspects of auditory implant technologies.
• To hold meetings at which those interested in auditory implantation may attend, discuss clinical practice and present clinical and scientific papers.
• To take an overarching interest in all aspects of the development of auditory implants (including screening and assessment, service provision, related sciences and health promotion) in the United Kingdom and Eire.
• To provide advice on auditory implantation to other related professional organisations, the Department of Health and other relevant bodies.
• To facilitate the development of clinical guidelines and standards, providing a forum for members to collaborate and agree best practice, in association with other appropriate stakeholders.
• To liaise with similar organisations internationally.
• The group shall have at least one scientific and one business meeting per year.