As 2025 draws to a close, BIHIMA reflects on another year of rapid innovation, shifting public attitudes and continued challenges across hearing health. From advances in technology to the changing cultural landscape surrounding hearing loss, 2025 has been a pivotal year for our sector. Below, we highlight 12 of the most significant developments shaping hearing care over the past year.
1. EuroTrak shows the UK is still not protecting its hearing.
This year’s EuroTrak findings highlighted a worrying trend: the UK population continues to underestimate the risks of noise exposure and hearing loss. Despite high levels of recreational and workplace noise, the use of hearing protection remains stubbornly low. BIHIMA continues to call for improved awareness campaigns and better access to protective solutions to prevent avoidable hearing loss.
READ NEXT: EUROTRAK DATA REVEALS THE UK IS STILL NOT PROTECTING ITS HEARING
2. BIHIMA’s 2024/25 Audiologist Survey reveals mounting pressures.
Our annual survey showed increasing challenges across hearing care services. Audiologists reported long waiting times, workforce shortages and a lack of accessible earwax removal services nationwide. Respondents emphasised the benefits of potential national self referral pathways, as well as more community based provision. The survey also highlighted a need for updated vocabulary around hearing technology to reduce stigma. The overall message is clear: meaningful reform is urgently required.
READ THE FULL AUDIOLOGIST SURVEY REPORT HERE
3. Hearing instruments move into the world of fashion: Deafmetal at the V&A.
One of the most uplifting stories this year was the recognition of Deafmetal® at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Their work reframes hearing instruments as something to be celebrated, not hidden. The designs blend aesthetics with practical support, offering wearers greater security and a powerful expression of identity. It’s a bold step toward reshaping the way society views hearing devices.
SAVE FOR LATER: DEAF METAL BRINGS HEARING INSTRUMENT FASHION TO THE V&A
4. Transforming the narrative around hearing loss and dementia.
In 2025, BIHIMA hosted a landmark webinar with Professor Kevin Munro, exploring how discussions around hearing loss and dementia often oversimplify or misrepresent the evidence. The session encouraged a more balanced, evidence-led approach, focusing on communication, social engagement and wellbeing rather than fear-based messaging. This remains an important area for ongoing public education.
5. AI becomes firmly embedded across hearing technology.
Artificial intelligence continued to advance rapidly in the field. This year saw further rollouts of AI-driven sound processing and optimisation from leading hearing technology brands, including exciting innovations recently highlighted in BIHIMA interviews with Widex and Phonak. These technological advancements are reshaping user expectations by improving clarity and reducing listening effort, enabling more natural engagement in complex soundscapes.
6. Auracast™ gains momentum.
This year also marked significant progress in the adoption of Auracast™ broadcast audio. With early deployments already underway, Auracast™ is set to transform accessibility by giving hearing instrument users the ability to directly receive high-quality audio streams. As adoption grows, BIHIMA anticipates a major shift in how people with hearing loss interact with public spaces.
7. Growing our case study programme.
In 2025 we expanded our case study series, sharing real stories of how hearing technology improves lives. We spoke to clinicians, engineers, manufacturers and hearing instrument users across the UK. These stories help bring the industry to life by highlighting innovation, clinical excellence and personal impact. BIHIMA plans to grow this series further in 2026, expanding the range of voices and experiences represented.
8. Government action: NHS “Plan for Change”.
The UK Government’s “Plan for Change” for the NHS in England included several proposals to improve hearing care pathways. These included improving access to diagnostic services, reducing waits, strengthening community provision, and modernising long-standing processes to reflect the needs of today’s population. BIHIMA welcomes these developments and continues to engage with policymakers to help shape a more impactful hearing care system.
9. Hearing-care access continues to evolve.
Across both NHS and private sectors, service delivery continued to shift in 2025. Community based clinics expanded in some regions, while digital triage and remote support helped relieve pressures elsewhere. The move towards more flexible models of care remains essential for meeting rising demand and supporting early intervention.
10. Public awareness of hearing health steadily increases.
Public understanding around hearing loss has improved, supported by growing representation of hearing instruments in media, increased corporate engagement in workplace hearing health and continued advocacy from professional bodies. While stigma remains an issue, 2025 showed encouraging signs of cultural progress.
11. Technology adoption continues to rise across age groups.
2025 saw higher adoption of hearing technology among younger adults, driven by changing perceptions and improvements in device design. The year has also brought with it greater recognition of the importance of early intervention, resulting in more people prioritising their hearing health, and sooner. Manufacturers’ focus on discreet design and lifestyle-driven features has made hearing technology more appealing to a broader audience.
12. Innovation remains strong for BIHIMA members.
BIHIMA members continued to lead globally in innovation; from rechargeable systems and advanced microphones to expanding ecosystem connectivity and health-tracking features. This ongoing focus reflects a shared commitment to improving outcomes for people with hearing loss and supporting professionals with tools that enhance clinical care.
Looking ahead to 2026.
As 2026 approaches, the momentum built this year leaves a lot to be optimistic about.
BIHIMA Chairman, Paul Surridge, concludes:
“Technological innovation is accelerating, conversations around hearing loss are maturing and policymakers are beginning to recognise the importance of national hearing health. BIHIMA will continue to advocate for accessible services and a future where hearing instruments are understood, celebrated and embraced.”
