Rechargeable hearing device adoption continues to grow in the Republic of Ireland as overall sales volumes fall.
The British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) has released its hearing instrument sales data for the second quarter of 2026, reflecting a decline across the UK private and public sectors and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) compared to Q1 2026.
In the UK, private hearing instrument sales reached 121,067 units during Q2, a decrease of 16.8% against Q1 2026.
Public sector sales through the NHS totaled 414,687 units, representing a 9.3% decline on the previous quarter. In the Republic of Ireland, 27,884 hearing instruments were sold, a decrease of 17.7% compared to Q1 2026.
Rechargeable hearing instruments continue to dominate the UK private sector, accounting for 92.6% of all private sales. In the NHS, rechargeable devices represented 4.99% of public sector fittings, representing a slight drop in both sectors. In the Republic of Ireland, rechargeable instruments accounted for 68.7% of total market sales – a continued increase on previous quarters, and the one area of growth in this quarter’s data.
Paul Surridge, Chairman of BIHIMA, commented: “While overall volumes are down this quarter, the continued and growing adoption of rechargeable technology – particularly in the Republic of Ireland – is an encouraging signal of where the market is heading. Our focus remains on ensuring that people who need hearing care can access it, and that the technology available to them continues to improve.”
BIHIMA will continue to monitor market trends and publish quarterly data as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency across the hearing instrument sector.
To access the full market data report for Q2 2026, click here.
