How many hearing aids are sold annually? 2024
Sales of hearing aids are rising, both globally and in the U.S. As the average human life span increases, a larger number of adults are experiencing hearing loss, which is directly correlated with age. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration’s 2022 rule permitting the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids has made it easier than ever for adults in the U.S. to purchase hearing aids.
Global sales of hearing aids increased by more than 5 million units, or about 34%, between 2017 and 2022, despite a pandemic-related decrease in sales in 2020.
Jump to insightMore than 44 million adults in the U.S. experience hearing loss. Globally, the WHO says 1.5 billion people are impacted by hearing loss. Both numbers are expected to increase substantially in coming decades.
Jump to insightIn 2019, five companies controlled 99% of the global market share of hearing aid sales. In 2023, more than 40 companies are now registered to sell OTC hearing aids.
Jump to insightAverage prices for hearing aids vary widely, depending on style, features and whether they’re purchased via prescription or OTC. The average cost of a pair of OTC hearing aids is $600 to $1,000 — for prescription hearing aids, it’s $2,000 to $8,000.
Jump to insightGeneral hearing aid statistics
Although research has shown that hearing loss is correlated with a number of negative outcomes, the number of people with hearing loss who actually use hearing aids is relatively small. A study in the Lancet found that only 12.7% of adults with hearing loss regularly use hearing aids. Similarly, the National Institutes of Health estimates that only 1 in 6 adults between the ages of 20 and 69 who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them.
According to hearing aid users surveyed by the Hearing Industries Association, satisfaction with hearing instruments has increased markedly over time — from 58% in 1989 to 83% in 2022. Nevertheless, cost is a primary barrier to wider hearing aid use. A National Council on Aging survey found that 30% of hearing aid users said cost was the biggest obstacle to purchasing the devices.
The global hearing aid market was dominated by five companies as recently as 2019.
However, the approval of OTC hearing aid sales has opened the marketplace to additional competitors. According to the Hearing Industries Association, more than 40 companies were registered to sell OTC devices in 2023.
Hearing aid sales
Despite a decline in 2020, the yearly number of hearing aid sales between 2017 and 2022 increased by over 5 million units, or more than 34%. Waning figures for 2020 were likely heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hearing aid market size
The hearing aid market in the U.S. is expected to continue to get bigger, with OTC sales driving much of that growth. Industry estimates expect the market to see a compound annual growth rate of nearly 5% between now and 2030.
In addition to the availability of OTC hearing aids, the growing number of U.S. adults experiencing hearing loss is projected to be another driver of that growth. The number of adults ages 20 and over impacted by mild or greater hearing loss is expected to increase from roughly 44 million in 2020 to 73.5 million by 2060.
The WHO estimates that hearing loss currently impacts 1.5 billion people worldwide. They project that number will increase to nearly 2.5 billion by 2050.
Hearing aid pricing
The average cost of one prescription hearing aid ranges between $1,000 and $4,000. However, OTC hearing aids are generally available at significantly lower prices. The average cost for a pair of OTC hearing aids ranges from $600 to $1,000; the average cost of a pair of prescription hearing aids is between $2,000 and $8,000.
Besides where you purchase your hearing aids, other factors that can impact the price include the following:
- Style: Hearing aids come in a number of different styles, from behind-the-ear to in-the-ear and more. Some styles (completely-in-the-canal, for example) are generally more expensive than others.
- Features: You'll pay more for a hearing aid with rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth, or even AI.
- Brand: With the approval of OTC sales, more manufacturers are entering the market. The brand you choose will impact the price of the device.
- Warranty: The length and details of the warranty on a hearing aid also impact the price. OTC hearing aids tend to come with shorter warranties.
- Additional benefits: The price of some hearing aids includes bundled services like adjustments and fittings.
The chart below details the pricing of several popular hearing aid brands.
| Company | Style | OTC or prescription | Cost per pair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eargo | Completely-in-canal | OTC | $1,650 to $2,950 |
| Jabra Enhance | Receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear | OTC | $1,195 to $1,995 |
| Lexie | Receiver-in-canal, behind-the-ear | OTC | $799 to $999 |
| Phonak | Behind-the-ear, completely-in-canal, receiver-in-canal | Prescription | $2,100 to $7,000+ |
| Widex | Behind-the-ear, completely-in-canal, in-the-ear, receiver-in-canal | Prescription | $3,600 to $7,200 |
| Signia | Behind-the-ear, completely-in-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, receiver-in-canal | Prescription | $1,540 to $5,945 |
Most prescribed hearing aids in the U.S.
Audiologists are licensed hearing health care professionals who treat hearing loss and often prescribe hearing aids. The following chart details the hearing aids most commonly prescribed by audiologists in the U.S.
FAQ
How big is the hearing aid market?
The European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association reported that global sales of hearing aids increased to 20.25 million units in 2022. The hearing aid market is projected to continue to grow throughout the decade.
Which company sells the most hearing aids?
Through 2019, the global hearing aid market was dominated by five companies: Sonova, Demant, Sivantos/Widex, GN ReSound and Starkey. Sonova and Demant accounted for 31% and 30% of global hearing aid sales, respectively.
How much do hearing aids cost?
The average cost of prescription hearing aids ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear. However, over-the-counter hearing aids are significantly less expensive on average. The average cost for a pair of OTC hearing aids is between $600 and $1,000.
References
- Gorman, A. & Lin, F. “Prevalence of Hearing Loss by Severity in the United States.” National Library of Medicine. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- “Hearing Aid Sales.” European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- Goman, A., et al. “Addressing Estimated Hearing Loss in Adults in 2060.” National Library of Medicine. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- “World Report on Hearing Loss.” World Health Organization. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- Stewart, C. “Global hearing aid market share by company 2019.” Statista. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- Carr, K. & Powers, T. “OTC Hearing Aids: One Year Later.” Hearing Industries Association. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- Choi, J., et al. “Association between hearing aid use and mortality in adults with hearing loss in the USA: a mortality follow-up study of a cross-sectional cohort.” The Lancet. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- “Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, and Dizziness.” National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- “Powers, T. & Carr, K. “Demographics and Perceptions of Owners and Non-Owners of Hearing Aids, PSAPs, and Implants.” Hearing Review. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- Everett, C. “Only 1 in 6 Americans with Hearing Loss Wears Hearing Aids-Here’s Why.” National Council on Aging. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
- Stewart, C. “Hearing aid brands most often dispensed or prescribed by audiologists in the U.S. as of 2018.” Statista. Evaluated March 8, 2024.Link Here
Figures