EHIMA 2024 Hearing Aid Sales Increase and Implications for Turkey

The European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) 2024 data confirms the ongoing growth in the global hearing health sector. This article, based on the figures released by EHIMA, provides a detailed examination of global and national market dynamics, the prevalence of hearing loss, and technological developments, while also scrutinizing the current situation in Turkey.


EHIMA 2024 Sales Figures

Year

Total Sales Volume by EHIMA Member Companies

Annual Change

Commentary

2023

21.82 million

—

Post-pandemic recovery phase completed

2024

22.69 million

4% increase

Growth momentum continues

According to EHIMA President Peter Karlströmer, the increase reflects the trend of "individuals prioritizing hearing health" and the growing adoption of the "early diagnosis–early intervention" model.


Factors Supporting Growth

1.     Increasing Health Awareness:

o    The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that today, over 1.5 billion people experience some degree of hearing loss, with 430 million requiring rehabilitation.

o    According to HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) data, hearing loss is twice as prevalent as diabetes or cancer in the US and is the third most common chronic physical condition.

o    This global wave of awareness is encouraging individuals to undergo routine audiological screenings.

2.     Early Intervention Policies:

o    The WHO predicts that up to 2.5 billion people could experience hearing loss by 2050, calling on countries to integrate hearing screenings into primary healthcare services.

o    Many European countries have made newborn hearing screening mandatory, adopting the "diagnosis at age 0" target.

3.     Technological Innovations:

o    Bluetooth connectivity, AI-compatible automatic environment analysis, and direct streaming to phones are becoming standard features.

o    Features like waterproof casings and built-in lithium-ion batteries make devices usable in all areas of daily life.


Economic Dimension of the Global Market

Indicator

2024

2034 Projection

Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)

Global Hearing Aid Revenue

$8.74 billion

$10.98 billion

2.3%

Global Market Volume

$7.20 billion

$11.70 billion

5.34%
Technavio forecasts an additional $3.17 billion in growth and a 6.1% CAGR for the 2024-2028 period. Differences in figures stem from report scope (revenue vs. volume/sales) and methodologies.


Hearing Aid Ecosystem in Turkey

1.     Market Outlook:

o    Growth in Turkey's hearing aid market is accelerating due to an aging population and the expansion of social security coverage.

o    Numerous local/imported brands sell through medical companies, pharmacies, and hearing centers.

2.     Access and Reimbursement:

o    The Social Security Institution (SGK - Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) provides reimbursement to individuals presenting an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist report, within specific price limits.

o    Audio Service authorized centers, serving at 292 points, offer post-sales support with a widespread service network.

3.     Challenges:

o    Device prices are affected by currency fluctuations due to high import costs; this can limit access for low-income groups.

o    The insufficient number of audiologists in rural areas leads to disruptions in routine screenings and adjustments.


Socioeconomic Impacts of Hearing Loss

Untreated hearing loss leads to:

  • Delayed language and cognitive development in children.
  • Reduced work performance in adults; increased risk of depression, isolation, and dementia.
  • An estimated annual indirect cost of $750 billion to the global economy.

Early intervention and appropriate device selection reduce these costs while enhancing individuals' quality of life.


Healthy Aging and the Role of Hearing Aids

The rapid aging of the world's population has placed hearing loss at the center of "healthy aging." Modern devices can increase speech intelligibility in noisy environments, strengthen social interaction, and help slow cognitive decline.

2030 and Beyond

  • Tele-Audiology: Remote adjustments and controls will become widespread, closing the rural access gap.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Adaptive algorithms will personalize real-time noise cancellation and speech enhancement.
  • Cross-Technologies: Hybrid combinations of cochlear implants and traditional devices will offer new solutions for high-frequency hearing loss.

EHIMA's 2024 data shows the hearing aid industry is on a path of sustainable growth. Increasing health awareness, public policies, and technological innovations will shape the future of both the global market and Turkey. Investments in early diagnosis and accessible professional care will positively impact not only individual quality of life but also the national health economy.