Hearing instrument sales and NHS volumes reach their highest peak in four years - British Academy of Audiology |British Academy of Audiology

BIHIMA has released Q1 data on hearing technology market figures showing that hearing instrument usage has hit a record rise.

UK market units have grown 1.4% compared to Q1 2022 and 12.4% on Q4 2022
NHS market size up 19.1% compared to Q1 2022 and up 15% on Q4 2022
Irish market up 7% over Q1 2022 and 14.7% over the previous quarter

BIHIMA – the British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association – has released the latest Q1 2023 data on hearing instrument usage in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), with a record high from the past four years.

Following a substantial drop throughout the pandemic, the market is steadily improving with this quarter showing promising shifts. In the UK, private units have grown by 12.4% over the previous quarter and 1.4% over the same period last year. This makes it the single biggest quarter in the preceding four years.

Speaking of the latest data release, Paul Surridge, BIHIMA Chairman, said:

“It’s always good news to see substantial rises in hearing instrument sales – it means that people are getting the support they need for hearing loss. We know that hearing instrument usage has a huge impact on people’s mental health, work opportunities, confidence, and relationships with those around them. This increase in the market data is incredibly reassuring.”

NHS units have also experienced a steady incline, with volumes up 19.1% over Q1 2022 and 15% up on Q4 2022. Much like private units, it has been the single biggest quarter in the previous four years; potentially driven by increased buy-in for hearing instruments at the end of the NHS tender period. Volumes are now back to pre-covid levels – however, there is still a considerable loss that is yet to be regained from the 2020/2021 period.

The Irish hearing market has also shown encouraging growth: Q1 2023 was up 7% over the same period last year and 14.7% over the previous quarter.

“The latest results are encouraging. The increase in volumes mean that not only are more people seeking support, but also that the post-pandemic delays in people receiving the care and treatment they needed are being reduced. BIHIMA is optimistic that volumes will continue to rise and the market will recover the losses accrued during the COVID-19 period.” said Surridge.

Download the full Q1 report here.

As a voice for hearing technology, BIHIMA regularly monitors the market and releases the results of its members every quarter. To keep up to date with the latest hearing instrument market information sign up to receive BIHIMA’s quarterly results here.