7 Hearing Trends for the New Year
Keep Your Eye on These in 2025
The landscape of hearing health care is always evolving. As we head toward 2025, let’s check out some emerging trends and technological advancements that are sure to define hearing health care in the months and years to come.
Rechargeable
The appeal of rechargeability is clear — less waste, charge-and-go convenience, and no fussing with tiny batteries.
With more and more rechargeable options appearing in the market, they might be the default in no time. Many who prefer a more discreet hearing device, though, have long been out of luck. Rechargeable weren’t available in the smallest hearing aids.
But that’s changing. Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) rechargeable hearing aids are now available, and we’re excited for what’s coming in 2025 from the major hearing aid manufacturers on this front.
Telehealth
Telehealth has made it easier for patients to access hearing care, especially those who live in rural areas or have mobility issues.
And there’s a growing appreciation among providers — one study found that audiologists who provided tele-audiology saw greater benefits in certain service aspects compared to those who didn’t.
Some services can’t be offered remotely, and there are many hurdles to a widespread tele-audiology infrastructure, but appreciation is growing — a good sign for 2025.
OTCs
When over-the-counter hearing aids (OTCs) hit the market in late 2022, it was hoped that this more affordable option would encourage more people to consider treating their hearing loss. It seems interest did increase — briefly.
But a report from May 2024 indicates that the majority of audiologists saw no increase or decrease in the volume of patients. In fact, the report found a strong preference among consumers for working with a hearing care professional.
Plus, many prospective patients still couldn’t afford the “more affordable” OTCs.
If 2023 and 2024 are any indication, the benefits of professional hearing care will continue to dominate the conversation in 2025!
Connectivity
A new Bluetooth capability, known as Auracast™ broadcast audio, is poised to revolutionize hearing care the same way the original Bluetooth technology did.
Not only is it a step up in assistive listening technology, but it will enable you to make your personal wireless listening experience a shared wireless listening experience: You can invite others to listen to what you’re listening to — each with your own set of wireless headphones or earbuds.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI), used in hearing aids for decades now, is sure to play a central role in revolutionizing hearing in 2025 and beyond.
More and more, hearing aids use AI to learn about your needs and preferences, then make setting adjustments in real-time to tailor your sound experience to your needs.
It’s also likely that AI will start to play a major role in the diagnostic process, from early detection of hearing issues to ongoing monitoring.
Invisible and Discreet
The smaller a hearing aid is, the less room there is to hold all the cool technology people love, such as rechargeability and Bluetooth connectivity.
But all those inner components are getting smaller and smaller as technology advances. Ever more discreet hearing aids are appearing all the time. In 2025, you can expect sleeker, more appealing options that don’t have to compromise on performance.
Tinnitus Management
Tinnitus affects 10% of young adults, 14% of middle-aged adults, and 24% of older adults globally. It’s no wonder hearing aid manufacturers are answering the call to offer built-in treatment options.
Using hearing aids to treat hearing loss does provide relief for many. But hearing aids now include robust tinnitus-management capabilities, especially via their smartphone app. And the five leading hearing aid manufacturers just keep getting better at this functionality.
Competition among manufacturers to meet this public health challenge shows no signs of slowing, so we’re excited to see what 2025 has in store!
Is better hearing in store for you in 2025? Get the ball rolling now —Contact us today!