News and stories

Read the latest news from RNID and stories from deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus.

Do you have a story to tell? Would you like to support our campaigns? Share your lived experience and help others understand why our mission is so important.

Are you missing the signs of hearing loss?

3 March 2026 Hearing health

Many people don’t realise they’re missing everyday sounds that could signal hearing loss. Our new survey highlights the signs to look out for, and Adam shares how he recognised his own symptoms. Take our free online hearing check to find out how your hearing is doing.

Recognising the signs of hearing loss: Adam’s story

2 March 2026 Fundraising, Hearing health, Your stories

A routine writing job led Adam to discover he had hearing loss. Now he’s using his experience to help others, volunteering with RNID Near You and taking on fundraising challenges to support people to check their hearing.

Accessible travel tips: how I navigate holidays abroad as a deaf person

1 March 2026 Deaf awareness, Your stories

Matt shares how he navigated holidays abroad after losing his hearing – and the tips that made his journeys easier.

Connecting with the global hearing research community at ARO 2026

27 February 2026 Hearing research

RNID’s Director of Research, Ralph Holme, shares highlights from the 2026 ARO conference - from exciting gene therapy progress to new laboratory models transforming hearing research.

How research is shaping the future of cochlear implants

25 February 2026 Cochlear implant, Hearing research

Explore how RNID-funded researchers are improving cochlear implant technology, from pitch perception to brain‑based fitting, helping more people benefit from this life‑changing device.

My cochlear implant has been the most amazing thing

24 February 2026 Cochlear implant, Deaf awareness, Your stories

Charlotte spent two decades trying to manage her severe hearing loss - until a cochlear implant assessment changed everything.

BSL will always be my first language: Bilal’s story

19 February 2026 Cochlear implant, Deaf awareness, Your stories

Bilal was born profoundly deaf and grew up using BSL. After facing bullying in secondary school, a move to a specialist deaf school transformed his confidence. Now at university, he’s determined to become a Teacher of the Deaf and promote deaf awareness.

Progress for the Northern Ireland Sign Language Bill

17 February 2026 Campaigns, Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Communities have published their report on the Sign Language Bill.

Volunteering, hearing loss and finding confidence in music again

17 February 2026 Technology and assistive devices, Volunteering, Your stories

Bruce shares his story of living with hearing loss and how it inspired him to volunteer at RNID Near You to help others with hearing checks and hearing aid maintenance.

 Access to Work: why reform can’t wait

9 February 2026 Deaf awareness, Employment

Access to Work is failing to provide timely, accessible support for deaf people and those with hearing loss. RNID’s Teri Devine explains the impact of long delays, outdated systems and poor communication, and why urgent reform is needed to ensure people can access and stay in work.