SCIP audiologists Gemma McCombie from Christchurch and Niky Pai from Wellington recently travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, to attend the Advanced Bionics Asia Pacific Audiology Masterclass.
The two-day event brought together audiologists and clinical experts from across the Asia-Pacific region, with world-renowned researcher and clinician Dr René Gifford as the keynote speaker. The programme explored the latest thinking and developments in cochlear implant care, including bilateral cochlear implantation, bimodal hearing, remote programming, Roger technology and advances in clinical practice.
A key focus was the benefits of supporting hearing in both ears. Sessions explored how bilateral cochlear implantation can support sound localisation, listening in multi-talker environments and overall access to sound, while also considering the benefits compared with a cochlear implant combined with a hearing aid.
For Niky, one of the key takeaways was the growing global movement towards bilateral implantation as the preferred approach for people with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears.
“Globally, cochlear implant standards are slowly moving towards advocating bilateral implantation,” Niky says.
The event also provided practical opportunities to explore new technology, including a demonstration of remote appointment mapping and the latest Roger technology from Advanced Bionics.
Gemma also contributed to a panel discussion examining cochlear implant funding models across the Asia-Pacific region. Sharing the panel with audiologists from India, Japan and Australia, she discussed New Zealand’s adult and paediatric funding models, as well as current challenges and opportunities for the future.
For both audiologists, the Masterclass was a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the region and gain new perspectives on cochlear implant care.
“It was helpful to gain insights and perspectives from other countries in the Asia Pacific region, including what we do well and models we can aspire to,” Gemma says.
And, alongside the learning, there was plenty of time to experience some famous Thai hospitality — with the local food proving to be a particular highlight.