Aim: To ensure that cochlear implants are routinely available to adults and children who could benefit from them – and that those who could gain substantial additional benefit from an implant in each ear are offered two.

Impact: Thanks to the lobbying of RNID, NDCS and other charities, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) introduced new guidance in January 2009. Cochlear implants in both ears are now recommended for two groups of people who where previously excluded from routinely being funded on the NHS: adults with severe to profound deafness who are blind or have other disabilities that affect their spatial awareness; and all children with severe to profound deafness who don't get enough benefit from hearing aids.

We also produced groundbreaking research with the Ear Foundation to support our case and provide guidance to schools to ensure that children with cochlear implants can get the best support at school and don't miss out on the benefits of their implants.

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