BCIG Returns to Scotland – Reflections from Glasgow 2026
April saw the return of the British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG) Conference to Scotland for the first time since Dundee in 2014. Held in Glasgow, the event brought together clinicians, researchers, manufacturers and professional bodies to explore developments in cochlear implantation and wider hearing‑care practice.
Focus on paediatric and lifelong hearing care
As expected, there was a strong emphasis on paediatric care, with sessions covering early intervention, family support and long‑term outcomes for children with cochlear implants. Alongside this, there were valuable discussions on adult rehabilitation, technology advances and the ongoing work across the sector to ensure that referral pathways remain clear, consistent and centred on patient needs.
The programme highlighted how collaborative working between implant centres, community audiology and wider hearing‑care services can support better outcomes for patients at every stage of their journey. For clinicians in independent practice, it was a useful opportunity to reflect on how we signpost, support and advocate for those who may benefit from further assessment.
Professional leadership and sector collaboration
I spent part of the day at the BSHAA stand, meeting colleagues and discussing how professional leadership can continue to support collaboration across the hearing‑care landscape. These conversations have informed a joint article written with fellow Board Director Darren Glancey for the June edition of BSHAA People, which will be published next month.
After the conference, Darren and I took the opportunity to enjoy a short ride through Lanarkshire — a welcome pause after a full day of presentations and a chance to reflect on the themes of the event. Some of that will be shared in the upcoming magazine article, so I’ll leave the details until it is in print.
Supporting understanding through Teddycare
The images from the day include the “Teddycare” initiative, where soft toys are fitted with hearing technology to help children understand implants in a friendly, accessible way. It is a simple but effective way of making complex devices feel less intimidating, and it reflects the wider focus of the conference on patient‑centred, family‑focused care.
Looking ahead: Deaf Awareness Week
Next week marks Deaf Awareness Week, an annual campaign focused on communication, inclusion and raising awareness of hearing loss. This year, Disney has contributed by releasing versions of several films with British Sign Language (BSL) — a positive step in improving accessibility for younger audiences. We will be sharing practical tips throughout the week to support better conversations and understanding.
