BIHIMA has launched the latest data around the benefits of hearing instrument use with their UK Eurotrak research report.
The British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) is pleased to announce the results of the latest UK Eurotrak research, which was explored during an exclusive online seminar in December. The research is undertaken every four years.
One of the key headlines from the data is the number of hearing-impaired people using hearing instruments, which has risen to 53%. This is an increase of 12% over the last ten years, demonstrating how the industry is reaching a greater number of people, however, there is still much to do if we are to positively impact all those in need.
This insight is supported by the survey responses detailing the most important reasons for people using hearing instruments. GPs, specialist doctors and audiologists were listed in the top four responses, highlighting the positive influence industry professionals have in supporting people to choose the right hearing instrument.
Hearing instruments can improve quality of life.
The research also showed that regularly wearing hearing instruments improved the quality of life for 95% of users, in areas including their social lives, personal confidence, relationships at home and at work, the ability to communicate more effectively and their sense of independence.
66% of UK respondents to the Eurotrak survey wished they had obtained their hearing instruments sooner. This is an improvement on the 71% figure from the previous data set in 2018 and highlights the importance of effective communication from manufacturers and dispensers and other professionals in raising the awareness and importance of hearing instrument use.
The data also showed that adoption of hearing instruments in the UK remain high at 53%, in line with Denmark, and at the highest level out of sixteen countries that take part in the survey.
BIHIMA Chairman Paul Surridge said: “The value of the Eurotrak survey data cannot be underestimated and we are looking forward to sharing the insights at our upcoming seminar. The survey clearly shows us where the industry is making progress and where more work needs to be done and we must work together to make best use of this information.
“The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, one in four of us will be living with hearing loss. The Eurotrak data can be used alongside industry developments, such as innovative technology, to drive real improvements in the industry and in the lives of people with hearing loss.”
The online seminar was hosted by Stefan Zimmer, Secretary General for the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) and Philip Stores, Managing Director of WS Audiology (UK and Ireland).
To download the survey results in full, click here.
What is the Eurotrak survey?
The Eurotrak survey is an online self-assessment questionnaire about hearing loss and hearing aid usage, designed to be compatible with US MarkeTrak to enable cross-continent comparisons. It was initiated in 2009 by the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) and is repeated every four years to generate information about trends.
