PORA – Free Expert Webinars on Hearing Loss & Cochlear Implants
PORA! is the international webinar programme of the Lehnhardt Stiftung (Lehnhardt Foundation), a leading organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people with hearing loss through education, research and access to cochlear implants.
The next PORA! webinar:
WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY @ 14:00 UK TIME – LISTENING TO THE PARENTS
Led by Sue Archbold, CIICA, this important discussion will highlight the challenges parents of deaf children can face and how services need to be developed with this in mind, including beyond the early years. The topic will be brought to life with parents speaking of their experiences, and parents are very welcome to join the discussion during the webinar.
Sue Archbold was a teacher of the deaf and the therapist for the first child in England to receive a cochlear implant (CI), and one of the founders of the Nottingham CI programme, where she served as coordinator for many years. She was Chief Executive of The Ear Foundation, an international NGO providing family and user information, educational services, and user-led research, contributing to policy change at national and international levels.
Sue Archbold is deeply committed to raising awareness of the impact of hearing loss and deafness at all ages and to promoting sustainable lifelong services for everyone who could benefit from today’s technology.
Objective of the Webinar:
- To provide an overview of the lived experiences of parents of children with hearing loss and deafness across different stages of development.
- To explore parental perspectives on early diagnosis and early intervention services.
- To examine the long-term challenges faced by families, including education, adolescence, and complex developmental needs.
- To discuss decision-making processes in families and how these evolve over time.
- To strengthen participants’ understanding of family-centered care and the importance of listening to parental voices in audiological and rehabilitative practice.
Key Highlights of the Webinar:
- Parental experiences following diagnosis of hearing loss in infancy.
- Challenges and needs during early intervention and early childhood services.
- Long-term perspectives: education, adolescence, and transition to adulthood.
- Family experiences in cases of additional or complex needs.
- Voices from parents across different countries and healthcare contexts, including low- and middle-income settings.
- Reflections on decision-making processes and what families would have valued in hindsight.
The role of user-led research in improving hearing care and rehabilitation services. This webinar is particularly relevant for audiologists, ENT specialists, hearing rehabilitation professionals, speech and language therapists, and all specialists involved in the care of patients with hearing loss and deafness. Understanding who is likely to benefit from cochlear implantation and how to optimize rehabilitation outcomes is essential for effective clinical practice.
The presentation will be delivered in English, with translations available in different languages via automatic transcription.
What is PORA?
PORA stands for: Personal Online – Recordings Available: making high-quality knowledge available now to professionals, parents and cochlear implant users worldwide.
Since 2009, PORA has offered free monthly webinars featuring some of the world’s leading experts in audiology, cochlear implantation and auditory rehabilitation.
The programme was relaunched in 2026 with a new structure and an even broader international reach.
Goals of PORA
- Provide free, high-quality education on hearing loss, cochlear implants and rehabilitation
- Support professionals (audiologists, ENT doctors, therapists, educators) with the latest knowledge and best practices
- Empower parents and families with practical strategies to support their children’s listening and language development
- Foster international exchange and networking within the global CI community
- Make expert knowledge accessible — regardless of location or financial means
What to Expect
Every month, PORA offers webinars in three main areas:
- Audiology
- Indication & Cochlear Implant Selection
- Rehabilitation & Family Support
All sessions are held in English (with automatic translation available), last approximately 90 minutes and include the opportunity to ask questions. Participants receive a certificate upon completion.
Why PORA for the CIICA Community?
PORA is a natural partner for CIICA members. It offers exactly the kind of evidence-based, practical education that helps professionals and families make informed decisions and deliver the best possible outcomes for people with cochlear implants.
Whether you are a clinician, a parent, or a CI user yourself — PORA gives you direct access to leading international experts and the latest developments in the field.
Ready to join? You can find the full 2026 programme, detailed syllabus and registration for all upcoming webinars here: www.lehnhardt-stiftung.org/pora.html
