CIICA CONVERSATION: DEFINING GREEN CI SERVICES

Working together for CI services that care for people AND the planet

Summary available soon. The PP used in the meeting to promote discussion is downloadable here.

Following an inspiring webinar in January 2026 hosted by the International Society of Audiology (ISA) focused on green and sustainable hearing care, this CIICA Conversation discussed some of the issues raised. Go to Webinars & Recordings and scroll down to find the recording and transcript of the January webinar.

This CIICA Conversation had 25 participants, including CI users, family members, service providers, audiologists, students and researchers from 12 countries: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ghana, Iceland, India, Spain, Turkey, UK, US. CIICA 14 April 2026 Green Services (2)

The January 2026 webinar explored how hearing care can become more sustainable while still providing high-quality, lifelong support. Speakers noted that waste often comes not just from materials, but from unused devices, unnecessary upgrades, and patient travel, and that healthcare itself is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. They highlighted practical solutions such as rechargeable hearing aids, remote appointments, repairing instead of replacing equipment, and building local “green teams,” while stressing that sustainability efforts must remain inclusive and accessible to all.

We are all concerned about our planet, and want to do our part in all aspects of our lives, including the CI services we receive and/or provide.

How to design services which meet the needs of CI users and families and also care for our planet?
How can we work together to reduce the global environmental footprint of CI care?
Where would we like to see changes being made towards climate-friendly CI care?
How do we reduce waste?

This conversation, led by Ariane Laplante Levesque, Denmark, Jack Stancel-Lewis, UK, Sue Archbold and Melis Durmaz Yıldırım, CID, Türkiye, explored these questions. Jack highlighted practical opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of audiology care, and Melis shared practical ideas from CI users about projects to reduce waste.