Summary:
The British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) has released its most extensive audiologist survey yet, revealing critical challenges in UK hearing care—including access barriers, workforce strain, and persistent stigma—that demand urgent, collaborative reform.
Key Takeaways:
- Access and Policy Reform Needed: Audiologists overwhelmingly support national self-referral, expanded community clinics, and reinstating free ear wax removal to reduce care delays and widen access.
- Stigma Remains a Barrier: Audiologists call for a shift in language and public messaging to normalize hearing loss and device use, moving away from outdated or stigmatizing terms.
- Workforce Pressures Mounting: Staff shortages, burnout, and pay gaps—especially in the NHS—are straining audiology services, prompting calls for better training, sector collaboration, and sustainable support systems.
The British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) has released a report detailing the findings from its most comprehensive annual audiologist survey to date, offering an unflinching look at the mounting challenges facing the UK’s hearing care sector.
With significantly increased participation from NHS professionals alongside those in private practice, the 2025 survey provides the clearest picture yet of a profession under pressure. Key concerns include escalating NHS waiting times, staffing shortages, limited access to care, and the unresolved national issue of ear wax removal.
“This year’s survey has brought into focus the growing burden our audiology professionals carry and the disconnect between what they’re able to provide and what patients truly need,” says Paul Surridge, chairman of BIHIMA.
“We must act decisively and collectively: to expand access, to standardize service quality, and to elevate the profession through education, investment, and public awareness,” Surridge continues. “We know that that demand is far higher than our current service levels can meet and something needs to change is we are able to improve conditions for patients and professionals alike. Hearing health is connected to every aspect of our overall health, so this is not a challenge we can afford to ignore. We’re talking about people’s quality of life, and we all have a stake in that.”
Key Findings:
- Access and reform: A large majority of respondents called for national self-referral options, citing GP gatekeeping as a barrier to timely care. Many advocated for more community clinics, a voucher scheme to ease access to private care, and a return to free, regulated ear wax removal in primary care settings.
- Stigma and messaging: Stigma remains a major hurdle. Audiologists emphasized the need to retire terms like ‘invisible hearing aids’ and shift the language we use to normalize and destigmatize hearing loss and the use of devices.
- Workforce strain: Widespread concern was voiced over staffing shortfalls, pay disparities, and burnout—particularly within the NHS. Many called for better training pathways, especially in tinnitus care, and stronger collaboration between sectors.
- Dementia and hearing loss: While the link between hearing loss and dementia is gaining attention, respondents warned against fear-based messaging. The consensus was clear: conversations must be evidence-led, balanced, and focused on promoting hearing health without resorting to misinformation.
- Top patient concerns: Ear wax build-up and difficulty hearing in background noise topped the list of patient complaints.
BIHIMA is urging stakeholders—from healthcare leaders to policymakers and manufacturers—to engage with the profession’s concerns and help co-create a more resilient, accessible, and stigma-free hearing care system.
About the 2025 BIHIMA Audiologist Survey
BIHIMA surveyed 101 audiologists across the NHS and private sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The respondent pool included 30% NHS audiologists, 59% private practice, and 11% working in a combination of both.
About BIHIMA
The British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) represents the leading hearing technology manufacturers in the UK and Ireland. BIHIMA works in partnership with health professionals, regulators, and consumer groups to promote hearing health and the uptake of life-changing hearing instruments.
For further information, visit www.bihima.com.
