ÖCIG Who are we?

History and development of ÖCIG

The Austrian Cochlear Implant Society was founded in 1992 by Franz K. Wimmer. Driven by his own experience with hearing loss, he dedicated his life to supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. After his death in 2003, the association was continued by committed board members on a voluntary basis and has grown steadily. In 2017, it merged with the CI Self-Help Association of Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Styria. Following the tragic loss of Markus Raab in 2023, the board was restructured. Today, the association is led by President Tobias Fischer and Vice President Elisabeth Reidl. The long tradition of volunteer commitment continues to shape the ÖCIG to this day.

Mission and Values

The Austrian Cochlear Implant Association (ÖCIG) is a non-profit and independent organization. It is open to all interested individuals and cochlear implant users, regardless of the specific implant manufacturer.
A large portion of the board members themselves have hearing impairments, which underscores their close connection to the concerns of the members. This independence enables broad and credible advocacy for cochlear implant users

Objectives, Activities and Suppor

The association's work is dedicated to supporting deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deafened children, adolescents, and adults, as well as their families. Its core tasks include:
Key tasks include:

  • Advice and support for affected individuals and their relatives
  • Information events for those affected and the public
  • Exchange of experience and information
  • Cooperation with other clubs and associations
  • Leisure events to promote community and exchange

The ÖCIG is financed exclusively through membership fees and donations. By becoming a member or providing support, you will help to continue this important work.

The board of the ÖCIG introduces itself

Tobias Fischer

Tobias Fischer

President

I am Tobias, born in 1984. In 1988, I became the first child in Germany to receive a cochlear implant from Prof. Lehnhardt and attended a mainstream school. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Microsystems Engineering and Electronics and a Master’s degree in Innovation and Technology Management. In 2007, I received my second cochlear implant. During my studies, I met my wife Sonja and moved to Vienna in 2009. Since then, I have been working as a systems engineer in the aerospace industry. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, attending concerts, and enjoying life with our pug Molly.

Sonja Fischer

Sonja Fischer

Secretary + Event Management and PR

My name is Sonja and I am 40 years old. For almost 22 years, I have been working at the Federal Ministry of the Interior. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, reading, and I have a strong interest in history, politics, and true crime. City trips are my passion, Krakow Kazimierz feels like a second home, and my heart belongs to Great Britain. I also enjoy spending time at home with our pug Molly, relaxing while gardening, unwinding in the whirlpool, and listening to music.

David Aichner

David Aichner

Cashier

My name is David, I am 38 years old, was born deaf, and have been a cochlear implant user since 1991. A trained nurse, I have further specialized in nursing through two additional degrees. Professionally, I am a manager at Hilfswerk Kärnten (a social welfare organization) and am also pursuing a master's degree in medical law. I spend my free time with my partner (we enjoy traveling), at the gym, or cycling.

Thomas Zirbisegger

Thomas Zirbisegger

Stv. Kassiererin

My name is Thomas, I am 44 years old, have two children, and come from Styria, more specifically from the district of Bruck an der Mur. I received my first cochlear implant in 1997 and my second in 2007, and I was the last patient of Univ. Prof. Dr. Klaus Albegger before his retirement. Professionally, I work as a relief worker in a mining operation. In my free time, I am passionate about aviation, especially Austrian Airlines, and I love traveling. Sports also play a major role in my life, with cycling being my favorite activity.

Scientific Advisory Board

Prof. Dr. Gerd Rasp

Prof. Dr. Gerd Rasp

Scientific Advisory Board

Ulrike Rülicke, Dipl. Audio-pädagogin/Audiotherapeutin

Ulrike Rülicke, certified audiologist/audiotherapist

Scientific Advisory Board

Prof. Priv. Doz. Dr.  Astrid Magele, MBA

Prof. Priv. Doc. Dr. Astrid Magele, MBA

Scientific Advisory Board

ÖCIG brochures

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  • OECIG News 2024

    6.2 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2021

    2.1 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2020

    1.8 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2018

    2.4 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2017

    6.2 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2014

    1.4 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2013

    2.4 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2011

    3.4 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2012

    2.5 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2010

    1.7 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2009

    669.8 KB PDF
  • OECIG News 2008

    2.6 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2007

    1.6 MB PDF
  • OECIG News 2006 2

    733.7 KB PDF
  • OECIG News 2006 1

    661.7 KB PDF
  • OECIG News 2005

    621.1 KB PDF

General

  • Obituary Markus Raab

    73.9 KB PDF
  • Obituary for Univ.-Prof. Dr. Klaus Albegger

    251.4 KB PDF
  • OECIG Statutes 2023

    181.1 KB PDF
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