The hearing aid market - France

In 2020, the global hearing aid market suffered a major setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with sales dropping 17% year-on-year after years of steady growth. Despite this, industry leaders such as members of the European Hearing Aid Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) remained optimistic about recovery, citing persistent demand. In France, the market proved more resilient, recording only a modest decline in annual growth compared with previous years, and even a substantial 43.3% increase in sales in the first half of 2021 compared with the last quarter of 2020. This reform should bring France closer to the reimbursement models observed in neighboring European countries, which could boost equipment rates and increase accessibility for the French population.

Analysis of market demand for hearing aids in France

The hearing aid market in France has experienced strong growth, attracting the attention of consumers and industry players alike. This market responds to a medical need: to improve the hearing capabilities of people suffering from hearing impairments. These impairments not only present physical challenges, but also affect social interaction and overall quality of life. A significant proportion of demand in the hearing aid market is due to the ageing of the population. As life expectancy continues to rise, the segment of the population aged over 65 represents around one-fifth. With age-related hearing loss prevalent in more than half of all people over the age of 80, the number of potential customers in the market is considerable. This segment alone accounts for between 80 and 90% of hearing-related healthcare procedures in France.

However, access to hearing aids is not just a matter of necessity, as the high cost of these medical devices is a deterrent. An average price of around 1,500 euros per ear and an average renewal cycle of five to six years represent a significant financial burden for individuals. This high cost has led to a low equipment rate among eligible people with hearing loss, hovering around 25% before any government intervention. The "100% Santé" reform, also known as RAC 0, introduced in January 2021, aimed to alleviate this financial barrier by providing full reimbursement for certain hearing aids. Such regulatory changes are set to have a substantial impact, potentially increasing the accessibility and adoption of hearing aids in the market.

What's more, the market itself is concentrated around a few major international players, which dictates the way hearing aids are distributed and sold. The majority of sales are orchestrated by specialist outlets, which account for around 90% of the market. Integrated networks such as Audika and Amplifon maintain a significant presence within this distribution system. In essence, demand for hearing aids in France is a complex interplay between medical needs, demographic changes, financial constraints and market structure. The future of this market depends on the industry's ability to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable to the growing elderly population, as well as the government's continued support through health policy innovations. By responding to these challenges, the market could undergo a transformation that would make hearing aids more widespread and accessible in society.

Key players in the hearing aid market landscape

The hearing aid market is characterized by a dynamic interplay between international industrial entities whose core business revolves around the manufacture of sophisticated hearing aids, and hearing aid specialists - commonly referred to as audioprosthetists - who deal with the customization and fitting of these devices. Below, we take a look at the leading manufacturers and distributors who have made significant strides in this field, shaping the market with their innovative products and extensive distribution networks.

• GN Hearing Known for its pioneering spirit in sound solutions, GN Hearing is a formidable player in the hearing aid industry. It has built its reputation by integrating cutting-edge technology and user-centered design into its devices, improving the quality of life of people with hearing impairments.
• Sonova (Phonak) Sonova, with its popular Phonak brand, has distinguished itself as a leader in hearing care solutions. Phonak's commitment to pushing the boundaries of hearing technology has made it a household name, offering a wide range of products to meet diverse hearing needs.
• Sivantos Sivantos is another key manufacturer in the sector, having built up an extensive portfolio of hearing aids to meet the diverse demands of the market. Its expertise in hearing technology has enabled thousands of users worldwide to enjoy clearer, more nuanced hearing experiences.
• Starkey, one of the industry's leading innovators, is renowned for creating customized hearing solutions that not only improve audibility, but also incorporate health monitoring features, making it the vanguard of health-focused hearing technology.
• Widex is synonymous with high-quality hearing aid solutions, known for their superb sound clarity. The company has contributed to the manufacture of devices that have had a positive impact on users' hearing experience.
• WS Audiology Created from the merger of Widex and Sivantos, WS Audiology is a major player in the hearing aid industry. The combined power of these two entities has led to the creation of a solid company, with a formidable R&D department and a full range of products that strive to set new benchmarks in hearing excellence.

In terms of the distribution landscape, independent hearing professionals collectively make up an important segment of the market. These specialized professionals play an essential role in the fitting and personalization process, ensuring that hearing aids are integrated comfortably and effectively into users' daily lives.

• Amplifon is a veritable giant, with a vast network of sales outlets making hearing solutions accessible to a wide range of customers

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 24/04/2023

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• Ventes de prothèses auditives des membres de l'EHIMA
• Taux d'équipement des populations malentendantes
• Ventes de prothèses auditives des 7 principaux fabricants d'audioprothèses* par type d'appareil
• Estimation du marché des prothèses auditives
• Ventes trimestrielles de prothèses auditives
• Taux d'équipement de la population malentendante
• Pourcentage de la population atteinte de déficience auditive
• Pourcentage des personnes déficientes des deux oreilles
• Parts de déficiences auditives par classe d'âge
• Répartition des actes de santé liés aux audioprothèses par classes d'âge
• Taux d'équipement de la population malentendante en fonction de l'âge
• Les séniors avec des problèmes auditifs
• Raisons qui empêche aux séniors d'avoir des appareils auditifs
• Répartition des ventes des appareils auditifs par classe
• Délai de renouvellement des prothèses audio par année
• Délais entre le moment où la personne s'est rendue compte de la déficience auditive et de l'achat de l'appareil auditif
• Nombre de points de vente par groupe d'audioprothésiste
• Principaux lieux d'achats d'appareils auditifs
• Répartition des revenus liés à une audioprothèse
• Répartition de la marge brute liée à une audioprothèse