Latest record UK and Ireland hearing aid sales show strength of private market

Continuing its strong recovery from the pandemic, private sector units for Q1 2022 units are up by 2.7% from the previous quarter, and up 50% on Q1 2021.

NHS volumes are down by 9k (2.2%) on Q4 2021 but still up 151k (61%) on the first quarter of last year.

Growth in Ireland

The Irish hearing instrument market has grown 13% over the last quarter with a 3k increase in sales since Q4 21. Volumes are up 57% on Q1 21.

Rechargeable batteries – NHS market still a long way behind Irish and UK Private markets in making switch

The latest figures show the UK private sector continues to become more sustainable. The UK non-NHS sector continues to move away from traditional zinc air batteries, with 73% of all units sold in Q1 having rechargeable batteries. There has been a 3% drop in the sales of rechargeable in the Irish market.

“The NHS market still has a long way to go to catch up with the Irish and UK Private markets in terms of making the switch to rechargeable batteries,” says the manufacturers’ body, pointing out that there has been a slight growth from a static 0.5% in the last two quarters to 1.4% of sales being rechargeable this quarter.

“I’m delighted to see yet another record quarter for the UK private market and to see there remains a steady growth of the use of rechargeable batteries in this market. The slight increase in the use of rechargeable batteries in the public sector is heartening and I look forward to seeing this growth continue as we move forward,” said BIHIMA chairman Paul Surridge.

Download the full Q1 2022 figures here.

Source: BIHIMA