Hearing aids market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The hearing aids market volume in Germany grew steadily from 2 047 thousand units in 2018 to 2 943 thousand units in 2021. The initial jump in 2018, when volume increased by 22% to 2 498 thousand units, was supported by a new contract from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (vdek) that took effect in December 2018. This contract allowed insured patients to choose between an audiologist or an ENT specialist for hearing aid consultation, broadening access and likely encouraging more people to seek hearing devices.

In value terms, the market reached 453.7 million US dollars in 2019, dipped to 430.3 million US dollars in 2020, and then rebounded to 505.0 million US dollars in 2021. The 2020 dip in value coincided with a modest 3.9% volume growth, suggesting some downward pressure on average prices or a shift toward more affordable devices.

Volume growth accelerated again in 2021, rising 13.4% to 2 943 thousand units, while the market value increased 17.4% to 505.0 million US dollars, indicating a recovery in both volume and average unit value. The overall expansion from 2018 to 2021 reflected sustained demand, with regulatory changes in 2018 facilitating easier access to hearing aids.

Production hearing aids in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's hearing aids output was valued at 32 222 thousand US dollars, marking a 6.7% increase compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Hearing aids production in Germany grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 250.6 thousand units were produced, which is 1.6% higher than in 2019. Between 2019 and 2020, production increased by 3.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports hearing aids from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Hearing aids exports from Germany fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 260 thousand units, showing a sharp year-over-year contraction of 52.3%. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 70.1%, with an annualized decline of 33.1%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 887 thousand units, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Germany's hearing aids exports in kind were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. France accounted for 17.3% of exports, the United States for 10.8%, and Spain for 9.5%, together making up only 37.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of hearing aids from Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 33.5 million US dollars, reflecting a steep reduction of 31.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 64.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -29.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Germany's hearing aids exports in value terms. Austria accounted for 17.5% of exports, Spain for 15.6%, and Ukraine for 5.9%, together representing only 39.0% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports hearing aids to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year uptick, cross-border shipments of hearing aids to Germany declined. In 2020, imports came to 2 604 thousand units, reflecting a modest loss of 6.9% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 797 thousand units, with the largest increase also occurring in 2019 at 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, China, Singapore, and Poland were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of hearing aids imports to Germany in kind. China accounted for 29.9% of imports, Singapore for 20.3%, and Poland for 18.2%, with a combined share of 68.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year gain, Germany's hearing aids imports declined. In 2020, imports totaled 431.6 million US dollars, representing a moderate loss of 8.7% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 472.6 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China, Poland, and Singapore continued to be the main suppliers of hearing aids to Germany in value terms. China accounted for 23.3% of imports, Poland for 21.9%, and Singapore for 17.5%, jointly forming 62.6% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020