News
Women in Surgery photography exhibition
Three ENT consultants feature in an exhibition that shines a spotlight on women in surgery. ‘Insight: Portraits of Women in Surgery’ runs until mid-April at the Hunterian Museum within the Royal College of Surgeons in London. It brings together women surgeons from different surgical specialities, career stages and regions across the UK.
The Launch of the British Endoscopic Ear Group
The British Endoscopic Ear Group (BEEG) has been established to support the continued development and integration of endoscopic ear surgery (EES) within UK otological practice and training. Interest has grown steadily in recent years, driven by improved instrumentation, increasing published evidence, and a new generation of surgeons trained in both microscopic and endoscopic approaches.
Tinnitus UK calls for policy change
Tinnitus Week 2026 in February was heralded a success after a powerful campaign for policy change and a first 'safe listening’ concert. A series of high-profile activities led by Tinnitus UK, brought together policymakers, musicians, health professionals and audiences to address the growing impact of tinnitus linked to live music and sound exposure.
New Usher Syndrome helpline
A new helpline has been launched to provide one-stop support for people with Usher syndrome (the most common genetic cause of deafblindness). The helpline is run by a charity partnership of Deafblind UK and Deafblind Scotland, and will be a dedicated support service for people living with Usher syndrome and for families, carers and professionals supporting them.
Robotic‑assisted cochlear implant insertion approved by FDA
The Minnesota-based medical technology company iotaMotion has announced a "meaningful milestone in peadiatric hearing care", having received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the iotaSoft® robotic‑assisted cochlear implant insertion system for children aged four and older.
Hearing loss features on Peppa Pig
A brand new storyline on hearing loss will feature in the children's TV programme Peppa Pig. The new episodes, which will air in March, have been developed in partnership with the National Deaf Children’s Society and the toy manufacturer Hasbro. The upcoming episodes will see Peppa's younger brother, George, attend an audiology appointment.
EUHA Sponsorship Award 2026
The European Union of Hearing Aid Acousticians (EUHA) has opened the 2026 Sponsorship Award for outstanding theses with special relevance to hearing aid acoustics. The award aims to promote young talent in the hearing aid trade and is accepting entries of theses from the fields of audiology, hearing aid fitting and customer benefit until 15 August 2026.
An audio inclusivity project
Hackney has become the hub of a new initiative for audio inclusivity, with three of the London borough's leading music venues now boasting state-of-the-art, audio-inclusive acoustics. Audio inclusivity is a concept developed to ensure venues and experiences are accessible and welcoming for people of all hearing abilities, including those who are noise-sensitive.
BRS 2026 Fellowship Grants and Video Prizes
The British Rhinological Society (BRS) have announced their 2026 Fellowship Grants and Video Prizes. These awards are in collaboration with ENT UK and support trainees and SAS doctors at every career stage, encourage innovation in education, and reflect the BRS commitment to investing in and shaping the future of rhinology.
From the editor Jan/Feb 2026
Declan Costello, MA, MBBS, FRCS(ORL-HNS),Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, Berkshire, UK. TW / X: @Voicedoctor_uk As the clock passes midnight and we welcome in 2026, we wish all our readers a Happy New Year, and...
Hearing matters in New Year's Honours
Emeritus Professor David Kemp from the UCL Ear Institute, widely known for his discovery of otoacoustic emissions, has been made a CBE for services to auditory sciences and public health. Robert Nolan, chair of Deafblind UK, was awarded OBE for services to people living with deafblindness.
A ‘Quiet Night Out’ for Tinnitus Week 2026
Tinnitus UK has announced a unique evening of music, spoken word and comedy designed with safe listening at its core. Taking place at London’s iconic Union Chapel on Thursday 5 February, the event will raise awareness during Tinnitus Week 2026 and champion the importance of hearing health.
