Trends in Hearing Healthcare 2026 (On-Demand Webinar Sponsored by Oticon)-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, sponsored by Oticon, reviewed 2026 trends in hearing healthcare with a focus on market growth, patient barriers, and artificial intelligence. Mike Lamberson outlined global and U.S. demographic data showing that the 65+ population will continue to grow, supporting long-term hearing-aid market expansion. He noted that the market has generally grown 4–6% annually over the past 20 years, though recent years have fluctuated due to economic uncertainty. He also highlighted a decline in customs and a slowdown in managed care, while OTC hearing aids appear to have peaked and are now a very small share of the market.<br /><br />Adam Fitzsimmons discussed why hearing-aid adoption remains incomplete despite better awareness and shorter delays to treatment. He argued that barriers go beyond price and stigma to include access, technical complexity, time, and identity. He emphasized that too many choices can overwhelm patients and that clinicians should simplify recommendations. He also reviewed AI in hearing healthcare, distinguishing machine learning from deep neural networks and noting AI’s growing role in efficiency, communication, and analytics.<br /><br />In closing, both speakers stressed that technology will support, not replace, clinicians, and that hearing care remains a people-centered profession.

Asset Subtitle

Questions after watching are welcome and may be directed to Adam Fitzsimmons at afit@oticon.com.

Keywords

hearing healthcare

2026 trends

market growth

patient barriers

artificial intelligence

hearing aid adoption

demographic data

OTC hearing aids

machine learning