Q1 UK and ROI hearing instrument data a shot in the arm for industry

BIHIMA has released Q1 2026 data on hearing technology market figures, revealing a strong start to the year: The headlines: UK private hearing instrument sales increased by 12.5% on Q4 2025. UK NHS (public) sales dropped by 9%, above Q3 levels and recovering from Q4. ROI sales jumped to 33,920 – a substantial increase of 33% on Q4....

No actionable clinical change — this is market volume data with no implications for how audiologists assess or treat patients.

The divergence between rising private sales and falling NHS volumes signals a structural shift in how UK patients are accessing hearing care, with potential long-term implications for public audiology services and private clinic growth.

1. 01BIHIMA released Q1 2026 UK and ROI hearing instrument market data.
2. 02UK private hearing aid sales rose 12.5% quarter-on-quarter vs Q4 2025.
3. 03NHS (public sector) hearing aid sales fell 9% in the same period.
4. 04Republic of Ireland figures showed a recovering trend.
5. 05The split between private growth and NHS decline may reflect ongoing NHS waiting-list pressures.