Understanding Auditory Brainstem Implants (ABI)

November 11, 2026, 19:00 - 20:00, (UTC +0:00)

Hearpeers Online Webinar

Understanding Auditory Brainstem Implants (ABI)

Wednesday, 11 November 2026
7:00pm – 8:00pm (UK time)

If your child has been identified as a potential candidate for an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI), you may have questions about the assessment process, the technology, surgery, expected outcomes, and what life with an ABI may look like.

Join us for an informative webinar featuring clinical experts, MED-EL specialists, and a parent sharing first-hand experience of their child’s ABI journey.

What to Expect

This webinar is ideal for parents and caregivers of children who may be candidates for an ABI. The session will include:

An overview of Auditory Brainstem Implants
An introduction to MED-EL’s ABI technology and how the system works
Information about candidacy criteria
An overview of the assessment pathway
Information about expected outcomes
Details of the ongoing support available to children and their families throughout their journey

You’ll also hear from a parent sharing their family’s experience, from diagnosis and decision-making through to surgery, rehabilitation, and everyday life with an ABI.

Interactive Q&A

A panel of guest speakers will take part in a live Q&A, answering your questions about Auditory Brainstem Implants.

Chris Rocca
Principal Rehabilitationist and ABI Clinical Coordinator at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London

Chris Rocca MA, MMT, is the Paediatric CI & ABI Joint Clinical Coordinator and Principal Rehabilitationist at St Thomas’ Hearing Implant Centre. Formerly Assistant Principal in (re)habilitation and education at Mary Hare School, she established the Mary Hare–Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Unit, supporting professionals and families in the UK and internationally.

Chris has published research, contributed book chapters, and presented internationally on music and rehabilitation. She has also designed several support resources for families and professionals, including BabyBeats™, The Musical Journey, Musical Atmospheres, SoundSuccess™, and Learning through Music for The Elizabeth Foundation.

Chris will be joined by Sandra Driver, Clinical Coordinator and Principal Speech and Language Therapist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, who will also contribute to the live Q&A.

Seryne Elsheik
Advanced Training Manager at MED-EL Headquarters

Seryne is an audiologist and Advanced Training Manager in Clinical Product Education at MED-EL. She has a background in neuroscience and clinical audiology, and her work focuses on cochlear implants, hearing technology, and clinical education.

In her role at MED-EL, she develops and delivers training for hearing healthcare professionals internationally, with a focus on clinical applications, product technology, and fitting software.

Danielle Curr
Mother of Lily (ABI recipient) and Community Connector at the National Deaf Children’s Society in Gloucestershire

Danielle is the proud mum of nine-year-old Lily, who has an Auditory Brainstem Implant. Lily received her implant shortly before her second birthday. She communicates using British Sign Language (BSL) and is a happy, sociable, and spirited young girl who brings immense joy to her family.

Through her experiences as Lily’s mother, Danielle developed a strong passion for ensuring deaf children receive the support they need and feel connected to the deaf community. This led her to become a Community Connector with the National Deaf Children’s Society, where she uses her lived experience to support, encourage, and connect with other families of deaf children.

During the webinar, Danielle will share her family’s ABI journey, offering insights into the assessment process, implantation, communication choices, and family life, as well as practical advice and reassurance for parents considering this option for their child.

Free webinar: Understanding Auditory Brainstem Implants