The CICS Group was set up to help families, wherever they are, whose children are so deaf that they do not derive sufficient benefit from conventional hearing aids. The vast majority of these children will be suitable for a cochlear implant, a surgically implanted device that, with the right support, and assuming they have no other significant disabilities, will enable them to learn to listen and to develop intelligible speech.

Established in 1993 and registered as a charity in May 2003, CICS is an entirely voluntary group run by parents who recognise that there is no one approach that will suit all children. The Group is independent and relies entirely on donations, grants, and fundraising efforts to cover expenses.

CICS is the only national voluntary charity for families considering a cochlear implant for their deaf child, and for those already implanted – there is no geographic barrier to membership.