Summary:
BIHIMA’s Q1 2025 report shows strong growth in hearing instrument sales across the UK and Ireland, with particularly notable increases in NHS and rechargeable device uptake, reflecting shifting attitudes, improved access, and rising demand.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Public sector leads growth: NHS hearing instrument sales surged by 23% in Q1 2025, highlighting increased public engagement with hearing health services.
  2. Private and ROI markets also up: Private sales rose by 7% and Republic of Ireland sales by 15%, continuing the positive momentum from late 2024.
  3. Rechargeables on the rise: Rechargeable hearing aid sales climbed 18%, indicating growing consumer preference for sustainable and user-friendly technology.

BIHIMA – the British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association – has released the latest Q1 2025 data on hearing instrument usage in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), revealing a positive boost in market sales across the board.

After 2024 ended on a high for recorded unit sales, 2025 has continued the trend with impressive sales across public, private, ROI, and rechargeable product categories. While private sales hit 130,661 – an increase of 7% – the ROI reported a promising 26,830 in sales, up by 15% on the quarter previous.

However, it is public (NHS) sales that have truly flourished; Q1 saw 491,194 hearing instrument sales, a rise of 23% from Q4 2025.

Speaking about the BIHIMA Q1 2025 results, Paul Surridge, BIHIMA chairman, said, “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 destigmatization of hearing loss. The surge in public sales indicates that more people are not only recognizing their hearing health needs but also trusting the system to deliver. It’s an achievement that reflects progress in both technology and societal attitudes.

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“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 data also reports a sharp rise in overall rechargeable hearing instrument sales. Across all sectors, rechargeable products rose to 152,180 – up by 18% compared to 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. 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 prioritizes both people and the planet,”added Paul.

Download the full Q1 report here

As a voice for hearing technology, BIHIMA regularly monitors the market and releases the results of its members every quarter. 

For more information about BIHIMA, visit https://www.bihima.com.