University of Benghazi Participates in the 18th International Conference on Cochlear Implants in Poland and Presents Scientific Research on Libya’s Experience in Cochlear Implantation and Auditory Rehabilitation

The University of Benghazi, in cooperation with the Surgical Speciality Centre in Benghazi, participated in the 18th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Technologies (CI2026), held in Kajetany, Warsaw, Poland, from 10 to 13 May 2026.

The conference brought together more than 3,000 experts, researchers, and specialists from around the world in the fields of cochlear implantation, auditory rehabilitation, and advanced hearing technologies.

During the conference, the Libyan research paper entitled:

“Quality of Life Outcomes Among MED-EL Cochlear Implant Users in the Eastern Part of Libya: Challenges, Progress and Future Directions”

The paper was presented at the conference. The study examined quality-of-life outcomes among cochlear implant users in eastern Libya, highlighting the key challenges faced by the programme over recent years, the progress achieved in auditory rehabilitation, and future directions for developing cochlear implant services and hearing care in Libya.

The research is the result of a scientific collaboration between the University of Benghazi and the Cochlear Implant Department at the Surgical Speciality Centre. It reflects a pioneering national experience that began in 2012 and, over fourteen years of continuous work, has established itself as one of Libya’s leading cochlear implantation and auditory rehabilitation programmes.

The participation also provided an important opportunity to hold scientific meetings and specialised discussions with international experts and researchers. These discussions addressed the Libyan experience in cochlear implantation, the challenges of rehabilitation and long-term follow-up programmes for children with cochlear implants, and the importance of early detection of hearing loss and early intervention as key factors in the success of auditory rehabilitation.

The research team affirmed that this participation forms part of an ongoing scientific and professional journey aimed at enabling children with hearing loss and deafness to acquire hearing and communication skills and to integrate effectively into society, in line with the latest international medical standards and practices.

This participation reflects the growing presence of Libyan researchers at international scientific forums and demonstrates the ability of Libyan academic and medical institutions to contribute to knowledge production and the exchange of expertise, while advancing Libya’s standing in cochlear implantation and auditory rehabilitation at both regional and international levels.

The participating research team included Professor Halima Alsheeyab Al-Barghathi, Professor Hussein Al-Khamri, and Dr Salem Omair from the cochlear implant surgery team; Dr Areej Al-Mansouri and Dr Areej Al-Ojli from the audiology and cochlear implant programming team; as well as Ms Fatima Al-Shukri, Ms Maryam Al-Kilani, and Ms Sanaa Al-Najjar from the auditory-verbal rehabilitation team.