I’m 46 years old, married with a 16 years old son Efe- he was born without inner ear and auditory nerves in both ears. This is the reason of my efforts to support CI and ABI users.
In 2012, Efe received an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) at Hacettepe University Hospital, performed by Prof. Dr. Levent Sennaroğlu. I really appricate the efforts of Hacettepe Cochlear/ABI team with aftercare and rehabilitation process. Following the surgery, I stepped away from my professional career to fully dedicate myself to my son’s rehabilitation and education journey.
In 2022, we founded Budgetart Teknoloji A.Ş., a software design company offering employment opportunities for Ci/ABI users as a positive discrimination.
In 2024, I was elected as the President of the Cochlear Implant Association (CID) in Türkiye. We are organising gathering events to increase the interaction between the users and their families, participating ceramic workshops to about increase the public consciousness to the obstacles of CI and ABI users. We are in touch with all stakeholders related to CI/ABI at the national/international congresses, having meetings with President of Turkiye, Ministry of Health and Head of Halkbank/governmental bank –to support our community thru various projects.
I offered to hold the EURO-CIU’s 30th anniversary celebrations in April 2025 in Istanbul. This was also our 20th year anniversary of CID’s membership in EURO-CIU. After a very successful 15th EURO-CIU symposium, I was honored to be elected 1st Vice President of EURO-CIU.
🇹🇷 This marks the first time in history that Türkiye is represented in the executive board of EURO-CIU. I am deeply aware of the responsibility this historic role carries, and I am proud to carry this honor on behalf of Turkish CI/ABI users.
Although we live in different parts of the world, we face similar challenges and share common goals. My primary mission is to raise awareness and create structured support systems throughout the entire journey—from diagnosis and surgery to early childhood education, social inclusion, and workforce integration.
With all my heart, I believe these processes can be successfully managed. I continue my efforts with strong determination, focusing on collaboration and open dialogue with all stakeholders. I am convinced that such partnerships are essential for the well-being of our community.
Contact : aylin.ozgur@koklearimplantdernegi.org.tr
