The US hearing aid market rebounded from a net unit loss of -18% in 2020, which was induced by the pandemic, to a unit increase of 37% in 2021—essentially making what would appear to be a full recovery. In fact, hearing aid sales in 2021 ended up an impressive 12% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Pent-up demand is likely to keep fueling hearing aid growth numbers in 2022 for both the private/commercial market and especially the VA.
A recent study published in the “European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology” examined the effect of cochlear implantation on quality of life and cognitive decline on young (under 60) and older (over 60) participants with severe-to-profound hearing loss.
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) cautions that OTC hearing aid rules currently under review by the FDA may unintentionally hinder or repeal important consumer protection authorities, undermining states’ ability to ensure safe and affordable access to hearing aids. Currently, all 50 states have hearing professional licensing requirements and many have important protections for hearing aid consumers, including advertising restrictions, as well as mandatory warrantees and returns.
Medical device company, Neuromod Devices Ltd, announced that it has launched Ótologie, a “specialist telehealth service for tinnitus.” This new service will provide tinnitus patients, throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, with a private care option to avoid waiting lists and give them immediate access to treatment from its telehealth service.
Among all workers exposed to noise in 2014, NIOSH researchers found the majority (53%) did not wear hearing protection consistently. Industries with the highest HPD non-use among noise-exposed workers included accommodation and food services (90%), health care and social assistance (83%), and education services (82%). Additionally, some of the industries where noise is a well-recognized hazard, were found to have high prevalences of HPD non-use, including agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (74%), and construction (52%).
With this year’s return of cicadas, many will view the mostly harmless insects as an annoyance. However, the bugs’ high-pitched buzzing sound — which can be loud enough to drown out a jet plane flying overhead — could potentially worsen tinnitus.
Sonova has signed an agreement to acquire Alpaca Audiology, one of the largest independent networks of audiological care clinics in the United States, for $310 million. Founded in 2011, Alpaca has over 500 employees and operates around 220 clinics across the country.
Step-by-step instructions for verifying CROS and BiCROS fittings using real-ear probe microphone verification (both REIG and SpeechMap methods).
Sonde Health, an enterprise vocal biomarker company, and GN Group announced that they have signed a multi-year strategic partnership to research and develop commercial vocal biomarkers for Mild Cognitive Impairment.