Hearing aid sales

EHIMA members see stable demand for hearing aids

In 2023, the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) reported that global hearing aid sales by its members, the world’s largest and leading hearing instrument manufacturers, grew by 4.7% to a total 20.25 million units in 2022. This followed a steep increase from pre-Covid levels due to catch-up demand in 2021.   

“The aggregate data shows continuous demand for high quality hearing care in many countries, as more and more people pay closer attention to their hearing needs. Together with our partners, such as medical, professional and patients’ organizations, EHIMA continues to raise public awareness of the benefits of timely and professional hearing health care,” said EHIMA President Arnd Kaldowski, who took on this role as part of a scheduled rotation in May 2023.

Global Unit Sales:

2017: 15.05 million (+5.7%)
2018: 16.04 million (+6.6%)
2019: 17.06 million (+6.4%)
2020: 14.12 million (-17.2%)
2021: 19.34 million (+37.0%)
2022: 20.25 million (+4.7%)

(Source: EHIMA data)

EHIMA expects that an increased awareness of hearing care in the coming years as the world’s population grows and ages. In the European Union alone, around 22.6 million people live with untreated, disabling hearing loss, leading to annual costs of 185 billion Euros. With hearing aids and hearing implants, EHIMA members offer high-quality and cost-effective solutions that help people with hearing loss reduce these risks, remain independent and participate fully in society well into old age.

Key Facts on Hearing Loss:

  • 1 in 10 of the total EU population states a hearing loss.*
  • Only 1 in 3 of the hard of hearing people uses hearing instruments.*
  • Untreated hearing loss costs EU and UK each year 185 billion €.**
  • Hearing aids and hearing implants help to reduce these costs.** 
 
Source:
*EuroTrak
**Bridget Shield (2019): Hearing Loss – Numbers and Costs, Brunel University London; both available at www.ehima.com