BIHIMA has released Q4 data on hearing technology market figures for 2024, highlighting overall growth throughout the year.
Total hearing instrument sales increased by 4% in 2024, reaching 2,245,540 units compared to 2,155,033 in 2023. Both private and public sector sales experienced steady growth over the year. In Q4, private hearing instrument sales saw an uptick compared to Q3, while sales in the public sector and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) declined.
For the first time, BIHIMA—the British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association—has included a breakdown of annual sales figures, distinguishing between units sold to NHS audiology services and those distributed to independent retailers operating under NHS contracts, such as AQP.
The final quarter of 2024 saw an 11% increase in public sector hearing instrument sales compared to Q3, while private sector sales rose by 0.4%. However, ROI experienced a 10% decline in hearing instrument sales over the same period.
Over the full year, total hearing instrument sales grew by 4% compared to 2023, with annual sales reaching 2,245,540 units. This represents a 13% increase from 2022 (1,974,521 units) and an 85% rise from 2020 (1,209,461 units). The newly segmented annual figures for 2024 include 473,961 private sales, 1,060,795 public (NHS) sales, and 710,784 sales to independent providers fulfilling NHS contracts.
“It’s great to see such consistent progress across the year, and especially reassuring to look at 2024 compared to previous years. We know that the benefits of people prioritising their hearing are enormous—from reduced social isolation to better mental health, increased work opportunities, and a deeper sense of connection and belonging within relationships and the community. The figures prove that more and more people are taking better care of their hearing and so may have the opportunity to feel these ripple effects themselves. The advancements in hearing care technology—especially across the past year—are also ensuring that hearing instruments are more accessible, adaptable, and impactful. We hope to see these numbers increase across 2025 as further features and ranges start to hit the market.”
–BIHIMA Chairman, Paul Surridge
The full Q4 report is available for download 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.
About BIHIMA
BIHIMA represents the hearing instrument manufacturers of Britain and Ireland, working in partnership with other professional, trade, regulatory and consumer organisations within the health care and charitable sectors. We raise consumer awareness about the latest hearing technology and aim to influence government and policy makers to improve the lives of people with hearing difficulties.
Source: BIHIMA
