The British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) has released its Q1 2025 market data, revealing significant growth across all major sectors compared to Q4 2024.
- Public (NHS) hearing instrument sales up 23%
- Private market sales rise 7%
- Republic of Ireland sales increase 15%
- Rechargeable hearing instrument sales climb 18%
Following a strong finish to 2024, the hearing technology market has continued its upward trajectory into the new year. The latest data show notable increases across public, private, and Republic of Ireland markets, along with a sharp rise in rechargeable product sales.
Private sector sales reached 130,661 units, a 7% increase over the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland reported 26,830 units sold, marking a 15% quarter-on-quarter gain.
However, the most significant growth came from the public sector (NHS), with 491,194 hearing instruments dispensed in Q1 2025, representing a 23% increase from Q4.
“This data marks a promising moment for the industry, suggesting a much-needed shift in demand, which could be attributed to public awareness, clinical access and the destigmatisation of hearing loss. The surge in public sales indicates that more people are not only recognising their hearing health needs but also trusting the system to deliver. It’s an achievement that reflects progress in both technology and societal attitudes.”
–Paul Surridge, Chairman of BIHIMA.
“As we witness sustained growth across all sectors, the real question becomes: how do we ensure this momentum translates into long-term hearing health equity? Access, innovation, and awareness must go hand in hand; every hearing instrument fitted isn’t just a product sold, it’s a life reconnected.”
The report also highlights a strong rise in rechargeable hearing instrument sales, with 152,180 units sold across all sectors—an 18% increase over the previous quarter.
“We hope that the rise in rechargeable hearing instruments is more than a trend and reflects how sustainability, convenience, and user experience are becoming integral to hearing care,” added Surridge.
“People want solutions that fit seamlessly into their lives, and this growth shows the industry is listening. It also signals a welcome move towards greener practices, setting the groundwork for future innovation that prioritises both people and the planet.”
As the voice for hearing technology, BIHIMA regularly monitors the UK and Republic of Ireland markets and publishes member data quarterly. To receive the latest updates, you can subscribe to BIHIMA’s quarterly results here.
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