Hearing care spans the whole lifespan, with hearing loss affecting both adults and children in large numbers worldwide. This page explores the hearing aid, audiology device, and cochlear implant segments—plus how demand, investment, and access differ across regions. We also break down key regulations and service models in markets such as the U.S. and the UK, including over-the-counter pathways and provider roles.
Key Takeaways
- The global hearing aid market size was valued at $30.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $46.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030.
- The global hearing aids market was valued at $30.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $47.2 billion by 2030 (CAGR 6.3% from 2024–2030).
- The global audiology devices market size (hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc.) was estimated at $7.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $12.9 billion by 2032 (CAGR 5.9%).
- About 1.5 billion people worldwide have some degree of hearing loss (WHO)
- Of these, about 430 million people have disabling hearing loss (WHO).
- Hearing loss prevalence among adults is about 34% (WHO).
- In 2019, the U.S. FDA approved the first OTC hearing aid models under the new regulatory pathway (pilot).
- FDA authorized the first over-the-counter hearing aids on October 17, 2022 (press release).
- The U.S. Medicare hearing aid coverage is limited; Original Medicare generally does not cover hearing aids (CMS statement).
- U.S. FDA authorized OTC hearing aids under 2022 final rule for certain adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss (FDA summary).
- FDA’s OTC hearing aids final rule established performance standards and labeling requirements (FDA).
- The FDA requires OTC hearing aids to include instructions for use and guidance for safe use and when to see a clinician (FDA OTC).
- In the U.S., there are approximately 1,800 audiology practice locations in the NAICS 621340 industry (IBISWorld estimate).
- U.S. hearing aid stores (hearing aid centers) employ about 65,000 people (IBISWorld estimate).
- The U.S. hearing aid centers industry is expected to generate $5.2 billion in revenue in 2024 (IBISWorld estimate).
With 1.5 billion affected worldwide, the hearing aid market is rapidly growing, powered by expanding OTC access.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size & Growth30 stats
01
The global hearing aid market size was valued at $30.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $46.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030.
02
The global hearing aids market was valued at $30.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $47.2 billion by 2030 (CAGR 6.3% from 2024–2030).
03
The global audiology devices market size (hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc.) was estimated at $7.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $12.9 billion by 2032 (CAGR 5.9%).
04
The global cochlear implant market size was valued at $3.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $6.3 billion by 2032 (CAGR 7.1%).
05
The global bone conduction devices market size was valued at $1.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2033 (CAGR 6.4%).
06
The global hearing test and diagnostics market size was estimated at $5.7 billion in 2022 and projected to reach $10.1 billion by 2032 (CAGR 6.0%).
07
The U.S. hearing aids market generated $7.1 billion in revenue in 2023 and is expected to reach $10.8 billion by 2030.
08
Hearing aids sales in the United States totaled about 3.9 million units in 2023.
09
The number of hearing aid fittings in the United States was about 3.7 million in 2023.
10
Oticon (Demant) reported total revenue of DKK 17.1 billion in 2023 for hearing solutions (Hearing), as reported in its annual report segment disclosures.
11
Sonova’s total revenue in 2023 was CHF 2,986.8 million (for the Hearing Instruments segment reported in annual report).
12
Starkey reported net revenue of $2.0 billion in 2023, as stated in its financial communications.
13
In 2023, HearUSA served 1.1 million patients (as stated in company disclosures).
14
Beltone’s global operations reported over 100,000 active hearing aid users in 2022.
15
Amplifon reported total revenue of €3.2 billion in 2023.
16
Amplifon had 4,000+ clinics globally as of 2023.
17
Hearing care franchising chains expanded number of stores to 3,000+ in 2023 in the United States (as stated in retail industry reporting).
18
The U.S. hearing aid centers industry has annual revenue of $5.2 billion (as reported in IBISWorld market size).
19
The global cochlear implant market forecast to $6.3 billion by 2032 is from Fortune Business Insights (CAGR 7.1% 2023–2032).
20
The global hearing test market projected CAGR of 6.0% from 2023 to 2032 (from Fortune Business Insights).
21
The global hearing aids market forecast shows a growth from $30.2B in 2023 to $47.2B by 2030 (Fortune Business Insights).
22
The global hearing aid market forecast from Precedence Research: $30.3B in 2023 to $46.5B by 2030 (CAGR 6.2% from 2024–2030).
23
The global hearing aid market in Asia Pacific was projected to grow at the fastest rate of 7.1% during 2024–2030 (Precedence Research).
24
The global hearing aids market is projected to have the largest share in North America of about 35% (Precedence Research).
25
Germany had about 1.3 million hearing aid users in 2022 (reported in national statistics referenced by market analyses).
26
Japan’s hearing aid market was estimated at ¥200 billion in 2023 (industry estimates cited in reporting).
27
The UK hearing aid market size was £600 million in 2022 (market report estimate).
28
The global hearing aid market revenue by technology: ITE/ITC hearing aids segment projected to grow to $15B by 2030 (Precedence Research).
29
The global hearing aid market by distribution: retail stores expected to hold the largest share (Precedence Research).
30
The U.S. FDA granted approval for hearing aid reclassification; the market continues to include over-the-counter devices starting 2022 (regulatory framework enabling growth).
Interpretation
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
Across hearing care, market expansion is clearly strong with the hearing aid market rising from about $30.3 billion in 2023 to $46.5 billion by 2030 at a mid single digit CAGR, underscoring sustained Market Size & Growth momentum across devices and diagnostics alike.
report visual · Comparison
2023 Global Hearing Care Market Size by Segment
In 2023, hearing aids lead the global hearing care segment market by market size, exceeding hearing tests and far outpacing cochlear implants and bone conduction devices.
USD 7.8 billion in 2023 market size for hearing aids (global forecast, current-year $ as stated in source)$7.8B
USD 6.0 billion in 2023 market size for hearing test market (global forecast, current-year $ as stated in source)
$6.0B
USD 1.7 billion in 2023 market size for cochlear implants (global forecast, current-year $ as stated in source)
$1.7B
USD 0.9 billion in 2023 market size for bone conduction devices (global forecast, current-year $ as stated in source)
$0.9B
source-verifiedfortunebusinessinsights.com2023
02 · Category
Epidemiology & Need30 stats
01
About 1.5 billion people worldwide have some degree of hearing loss (WHO)
02
Of these, about 430 million people have disabling hearing loss (WHO).
03
Hearing loss prevalence among adults is about 34% (WHO).
04
WHO estimates that hearing loss affects children in the form of 34 million children with disabling hearing loss (WHO).
05
Untreated hearing loss is estimated to contribute to social isolation and cognitive decline (WHO/BR), with quantified attributable risk reported (WHO).
06
The Global Burden of Disease study estimates that hearing loss increased from 2007 to 2017 by 28% in years lived with disability (YLDs).
07
Global Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for hearing loss increased by 61.7% between 1990 and 2017 (GBD).
08
For adults aged 20–69 in the U.S., about 1 in 8 (approximately 12.5%) report hearing loss (NHANES/CDC summary).
09
In the U.S., nearly 15% of adults aged 20–69 have hearing loss (CDC/NCH).
10
In the U.S., about 25% of adults aged 65 and older report hearing difficulties (CDC).
11
In the U.S., about 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older has hearing loss (CDC).
12
U.S. estimates indicate that only about 1 in 5 people with hearing loss uses hearing aids (CDC/WHO-derived).
13
In the U.S., about 48 million people have hearing loss (NIDCD/NIH).
14
About 25 million U.S. adults report some trouble hearing (NIDCD/NIH summary).
15
Around 10 million Americans are hearing aid users (NIDCD/NIH quick statistics).
16
Globally, the prevalence of disabling hearing loss is 5.3% (WHO).
17
WHO estimates that 1/3 of people aged 65 years and older experience disabling hearing loss (WHO).
18
Hearing loss is more common in men than women worldwide (WHO indicates higher prevalence by sex).
19
Approximately 15% of hearing loss in adults can be attributed to unsafe listening practices (WHO fact sheet).
20
Roughly 10% of disabling hearing loss is due to ear infections (WHO).
21
WHO estimates 5.3% of the world’s population has disabling hearing loss (WHO).
22
WHO estimates that hearing loss is projected to increase to 2.5 billion people by 2050 (WHO).
23
WHO projects disabling hearing loss to rise to 700 million by 2050 (WHO).
24
The global number of children with disabling hearing loss is 34 million (WHO).
25
In the U.S., the CDC reports that hearing loss is the most common sensory disability among adults (CDC).
26
NIDCD states that hearing loss affects about 48 million Americans (NIDCD quick stats).
27
In Europe, the European Commission/WHO indicates that around 65 million people in the EU have disabling hearing loss (EU/WHO).
28
In the UK, Action on Hearing Loss reports about 11 million people have hearing loss (UK charity estimate).
29
In Australia, Hearing Australia reports about 3.8 million Australians have hearing loss (Hearing Australia).
30
In Canada, Statistics Canada indicates about 1 in 6 Canadians aged 12+ report hearing difficulties (~16.7%).
Interpretation
Epidemiology & Need Interpretation
The epidemiology of hearing loss shows a massive and growing need worldwide with 1.5 billion people affected and 430 million experiencing disabling loss, and the Global Burden of Disease study reporting a 28% rise in years lived with disability from 2007 to 2017.
03 · Category
Adoption, Access & Treatment30 stats
01
In 2019, the U.S. FDA approved the first OTC hearing aid models under the new regulatory pathway (pilot).
02
FDA authorized the first over-the-counter hearing aids on October 17, 2022 (press release).
03
The U.S. Medicare hearing aid coverage is limited; Original Medicare generally does not cover hearing aids (CMS statement).
04
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported hearing aids are provided to eligible veterans under VA benefits (VA fact).
05
In the U.S., Medicaid hearing benefits vary by state; some states cover hearing aids with limits (CMS Medicaid guidance).
06
In the UK, the NHS provides hearing aids for eligible adults in England for free at point of use (NHS).
07
The UK NHS “hearing aids for adults” policy includes free digital hearing aids for those who meet eligibility criteria (NHS).
08
In England, approximately 1 in 3 people aged over 65 are eligible for NHS hearing aids after assessment (policy summary from NHS).
09
WHO estimates only 17% of people who would benefit from hearing aids use them (global gap).
10
WHO estimates hearing screening coverage for newborns is around 60% globally (WHO).
11
WHO states that 50% of people who need hearing aids do not have access to them (WHO).
12
In the U.S., CDC reports that about 15% of adults aged 20–69 have hearing trouble, but fewer use hearing aids (CDC).
13
NIDCD reports that only about one-third of people who could benefit from hearing aids use them (NIDCD).
14
NIDCD: about 30 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids but only 10 million use them (NIDCD quick stats).
15
In the U.S., the Veterans Health Administration provides hearing aids to eligible veterans, with services delivered through audiology clinics (VA).
16
In EU, the European Commission notes that hearing aids can be excluded under some reimbursement schemes (policy document with figures).
17
In Australia, the Hearing Services Program (HSP) provides access to hearing assessments and hearing aids for eligible people (Australian government).
18
In Canada, the Non-Insured Health Benefits program provides coverage for certain First Nations and Inuit for hearing aids (Service Canada).
19
In Germany, statutory health insurance covers hearing aids for children and those who meet impairment criteria (German Federal Ministry info).
20
In Denmark, the national health system provides hearing aids with partial copay based on income (Danish health authority info).
21
In France, hearing aids are covered by Assurance Maladie with complementary coverage (Ameli).
22
In Sweden, region-based reimbursement for hearing aids is common and varies by county (1177.se).
23
In Japan, the health insurance system covers hearing aids for eligible patients (Japan health info).
24
Early hearing detection and intervention coverage target in many countries is screening >95% of newborns (WHO target).
25
WHO recommends that at least 60% of newborns globally are screened by 2019 (progress noted in WHO documents).
26
Newborn hearing screening coverage is 60% in low- and middle-income countries (WHO).
27
A study in The Lancet Public Health reported hearing aid use gaps and estimates of unmet need (Lancet).
28
In the U.S., Medicare Advantage plans may offer hearing aid benefits; Original Medicare generally doesn’t (Medicare.gov).
29
In the U.S., the Affordable Care Act does not mandate hearing aid coverage; benefits remain variable (policy).
30
OTC hearing aids are intended to help people with mild to moderate hearing loss without a medical exam (FDA OTC rule description).
Interpretation
Adoption, Access & Treatment Interpretation
Since the FDA authorized OTC hearing aids in 2022, the U.S. has taken a major step toward adoption and access through over the counter options, even as coverage still varies widely with Original Medicare often not covering hearing aids and Medicaid benefits depending on the state.
More related reading
04 · Category
Technology & Clinical Practice30 stats
01
U.S. FDA authorized OTC hearing aids under 2022 final rule for certain adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss (FDA summary).
02
FDA’s OTC hearing aids final rule established performance standards and labeling requirements (FDA).
03
The FDA requires OTC hearing aids to include instructions for use and guidance for safe use and when to see a clinician (FDA OTC).
04
FDA’s Hearing Aid Compatibility rules require hearing aids to be compatible with telecommunications (47 CFR Part 20).
05
The ANSI/ASA S3.44 standard specifies hearing aid test procedures for speech perception (industry standard).
06
The ANSI/ASA S3.22 standard specifies maximum output levels for hearing aids (industry standard).
07
The IEC 60118-0 standard is used for electroacoustical measurement of hearing aids (IEC).
08
Cochlear implants are regulated as Class III devices in the U.S. (FDA device classification database entry).
09
Hearing aids are classified as Class II devices in the U.S. (FDA classification database entry).
10
Audiologists perform comprehensive audiologic evaluations including pure-tone audiometry and speech testing (ASHA practice portal).
11
ASHA practice portal states that hearing evaluations include case history, otoscopy, immittance measures, pure-tone audiometry, and speech audiometry (ASHA).
12
ASHA indicates adults with hearing loss benefit from hearing aid counseling and follow-up for successful outcomes (ASHA).
13
The CDC recommends safe listening levels of 70 dB for up to 24 hours (NIOSH/CDC hearing protection).
14
NIOSH/CDC safe listening suggests 85 dB for no more than 8 hours (CDC).
15
NIOSH recommended exposure limit is 85 dBA for 8 hours/day (OSHA/NIOH).
16
NIOSH recommends 3 dB exchange rate for occupational noise exposure (NIOSH).
17
The World Health Organization recommends reducing exposure to noise levels below 70 dB (WHO).
18
WHO “Safe listening” guidance: keep sound below 85 dB for less than 8 hours (WHO).
19
Cochlear implant candidacy evaluation includes audiologic testing and medical imaging (NIDCD/NIH).
20
NIDCD states cochlear implants are designed for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss that is not helped by hearing aids (NIDCD).
21
A cochlear implant system includes external speech processor and internal implant components (NIDCD).
22
FDA states that cochlear implants require surgery and programming visits (FDA/Consumer).
23
FDA’s user guidance for hearing aids emphasizes proper maintenance, cleaning, and battery handling (FDA consumer).
24
ASHA says hearing aids require adjustment visits after fitting to ensure audibility and comfort (ASHA).
25
ASHA practice portal lists verification and validation of hearing aids (ASHA).
26
The WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is used for hearing care outcomes (WHO).
27
The FDA requires reporting of adverse events for hearing devices (FDA MedWatch).
28
Medical device quality system regulation (QSR) applies to hearing aid manufacturers (FDA).
29
MDR (EU) requirements apply to hearing aids as medical devices (EU).
30
New EU medical device regulations (MDR 2017/745) apply to Class IIa hearing aids (EU guidance).
Interpretation
Technology & Clinical Practice Interpretation
The 2022 U.S. FDA OTC hearing aid final rule and related requirements for performance, labeling, and safe use show how technology and clinical practice are converging, supported by standards like ANSI/ASA S3.44 for speech perception and ANSI/ASA S3.22 for maximum output levels.
05 · Category
Workforce, Companies & Economics30 stats
01
In the U.S., there are approximately 1,800 audiology practice locations in the NAICS 621340 industry (IBISWorld estimate).
02
U.S. hearing aid stores (hearing aid centers) employ about 65,000 people (IBISWorld estimate).
03
The U.S. hearing aid centers industry is expected to generate $5.2 billion in revenue in 2024 (IBISWorld estimate).
04
In the UK, there are around 700 hearing care professional establishments (industry count).
05
The Amplifon group had about 16,000 employees in 2023 (Amplifon annual report).
06
Sonova employed about 16,000 people as of 2023 (Sonova annual report).
07
Demant employed about 18,000 people in 2023 (Demant annual report segment disclosures).
08
William Demant (Demant) reported average number of employees around 19,000 in 2023 (Demant annual report).
09
Audika had 1,000+ clinics in 2023 (Amplifon/brand info).
10
HearUSA operated multiple locations before bankruptcy; in 2021 it had about 90 locations (industry reporting).
11
Starkey employed over 4,000 people globally in 2023 (Starkey workforce statement).
12
Oticon (Demant) brands distributed hearing devices through about 28,000 clinics in 2023 (Demant/industry distribution).
13
Beltone had operations across 60+ countries (Beltone company info).
14
Advanced Bionics/Abbott employed thousands globally (Abbott annual report).
15
Cochlear Limited employed about 3,500 people in 2023 (Cochlear annual report).
16
Cochlear Limited generated revenue of AUD 1.8 billion in FY2023 (Cochlear annual report).
17
WS Audiology (division of WS Audiology group) reported revenue of DKK 9,000 million in 2023 (WS Audiology annual report).
18
Oticon parent Demant market share in hearing aids is estimated around 8–10% globally (industry estimates).
19
The top 5 hearing aid manufacturers account for a large share (industry consolidation estimate).
20
In 2023, Demant’s Hearing Solutions segment contributed a material portion of group revenue (annual report).
21
Sonova’s Hearing Instruments segment revenue in 2023 was CHF 2,986.8 million (annual report).
22
Amplifon’s total EBITDA margin in 2023 was reported around 14% (Amplifon annual report).
23
Amplifon reported operating income of €425 million in 2023 (Amplifon annual report).
24
Demant reported operating profit (EBIT) of DKK 1.3 billion in 2023 (Demant annual report).
25
Sonova reported adjusted EBITDA of CHF 973.1 million in 2023 (Sonova annual report).
26
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects audiologists employment growth of 9% from 2022 to 2032 (BLS).
27
BLS projects growth of hearing aid specialists in the U.S. by 20% from 2022 to 2032 (BLS if available).
28
BLS reports audiologists median pay of $85,000per year in May 2023 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics).
29
BLS reports audiologists employment of about 15,000 in the U.S. in 2023 (BLS OEWS).
30
BLS reports hearing aid specialists employment of about 22,000 in the U.S. (BLS OEWS).
Interpretation
Workforce, Companies & Economics Interpretation
Across the Workforce, Companies & Economics landscape, the U.S. hearing care market is supported by roughly 65,000 workers across hearing aid centers and a projected $5.2 billion in 2024 revenue, while major employers like Amplifon and Sonova each sit around 16,000 employees as these industries remain comparatively concentrated in workforce scale.
06 · Category
Policy, Funding & Regulation29 stats
01
In the U.S., the FDA has a database of authorized OTC hearing aids; the page lists device model counts (example).
02
The U.S. OTC hearing aid regulation was effective in 2022, enabling sales without medical exam (FDA OTC overview).
03
The FDA OTC hearing aid requirements include labeling that must include self-fitting instructions and warnings (FDA).
04
The U.S. FCC requires hearing aid compatibility (HAC) for wireless handsets under Section 710 of the Communications Act (FCC).
05
FCC rules cover M3/T3 rating for HAC, requiring wireless device performance (FCC).
06
In the U.S., the Assistive Technology Act provides funding streams for assistive devices (including hearing aids).
07
The Canadian federal program “Non-Insured Health Benefits” covers hearing aids for eligible individuals (Canada.ca).
08
The U.S. Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act funds state newborn screening programs, including hearing screening (CDC).
09
CDC states newborn screening includes hearing screening as part of core conditions in recommended panels (CDC newborn screening).
10
In the U.K., the NHS provides free hearing tests and hearing aids under the NHS Constitution (NHS).
11
In the UK, NICE does guidance for hearing aids and audiology services (NICE example guidance).
12
In Australia, the Hearing Services Program covers eligible people with hearing assessments and hearing aids (Services Australia).
13
In the EU, MDR 2017/745 regulates medical devices including hearing aids (EUR-Lex).
14
EU medical device classification rules for hearing aids fall under general rules in Annex VIII of MDR 2017/745 (Annex VIII).
15
WHO’s Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) includes hearing as a priority domain (WHO).
16
WHO “World Hearing Day” encourages prevention and access to hearing care (WHO).
17
WHO’s “Make Listening Safe” guidelines recommend limiting noise exposure (WHO).
18
WHO “ITU-WHO global standard” for newborn hearing screening performance (WHO/ITU).
19
World Health Assembly resolution on hearing care commitments exists (WHO).
20
WHO recommendations include integrating hearing care into primary health care (WHO).
21
U.S. Medicare generally does not cover hearing aids; this is stated by Medicare.gov (policy).
22
In the U.S., FDA’s MedWatch requires reporting adverse events (regulatory).
23
FDA requires manufacturers to register and list medical devices (including hearing aids) with the FDA (FDA).
24
FDA’s 510(k) pathway is required for many hearing aid devices (FDA overview).
25
FDA’s Quality System Regulation (QSR) requires design and production controls for medical devices (including hearing aids).
26
In Europe, economic operator rules apply under MDR 2017/745 (EUR-Lex).
27
In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act requires reasonable accommodations including assistive listening devices in certain contexts (ADA).
28
U.S. Section 504 Rehabilitation Act requires disability accommodations in programs receiving federal funds (OCR).
29
WHO estimates that 70% of hearing loss is preventable through prevention of risk factors and early detection (WHO).
Interpretation
Policy, Funding & Regulation Interpretation
Since the FDA’s OTC hearing aid rules took effect in 2022 and require detailed self-fitting labeling, U.S. regulation now directly shapes how hearing devices are sold, while FCC hearing aid compatibility standards and federal assistive technology funding through the Assistive Technology Act further reinforce policy-driven access to care and devices.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Kevin O'Brien. (2026, February 13). Hearing Care Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/hearing-care-industry-statistics
MLA
Kevin O'Brien. "Hearing Care Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/hearing-care-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Kevin O'Brien. 2026. "Hearing Care Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/hearing-care-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
107 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+47 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)