BIHIMA has released Q4 data on hearing technology market figures showing a slight decrease in quarterly sales, but overall 2023 has been more successful than previous years.
BIHIMA – the British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association – has released the latest Q4 2023 data on hearing instrument usage in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), showing a slight drop in overall sales but a significant increase for 2023, when compared to previous years.
In Q4, overall market figures decreased by 12%. During this period, private sales sat at 110,742 – a minor 3% down on Q3 – while NHS sales dropped 14% from the previous quarter down to 399,360. In the Republic of Ireland, hearing instrument market figures were 24,307: this is down 6% on Q3.
Speaking about the data, Paul Surridge, BIHIMA Chairman, said:
“We appreciate that market figures ebb and flow across the year, and while Q4 has shown a small decrease in sales, overall the data is strong and promising. Q3 delivered an unexpected spike in NHS dispensing and we can now see this levelling out.”
Despite the small decrease for the quarter, 2023 ended on a promising high. Following several years of instability after the COVID-19 pandemic, this year has seen steady numbers and an overall increase in market sales, totalling 2,155,033 across the UK. This was an increase of 9% from 2022, 60% up from 2021 and a significant 78% increase on 2020.
“It’s reassuring when reviewing 2023 as a whole. to see the bounce back effect post-COVID when so many people’s hearing needs were not met. The positive climb in the volume of devices dispensed shows us that delays and waiting lists that were a consequence of the pandemic are reducing as more people receive the devices they need to tackle their hearing loss.
“We know that hearing loss – when untreated – has widespread repercussions on mental health, sleep, career opportunities, confidence, and an individual’s ability to communicate and socialise with those around them. We hope that 2024 continues to show strong growth.” said Paul.
Download the full Q4 report here.
As a voice for hearing technology, BIHIMA regularly monitors the market releasing data quarterly. To keep up to date with the latest hearing instrument market information sign up to receive BIHIMA’s data here.
