The EuroTrak Poland 2023 survey shows that around 11.8% of the total Polish population report having hearing loss. Among adults (18+), the figure is 13.7%.
The EuroTrak surveys have been conducted in Poland since 2016. Over the years, the self-reported prevalence of hearing loss has shown a slight decline, yet the awareness and adoption of hearing aids continue to rise steadily.
Continued growth in hearing aid use
Hearing aid use among people with self-declared hearing loss in Poland has grown to 28% in 2023, up from 21.4% in 2019 and 17.8% in 2016. Of these users, 58% are now fitted with two hearing aids (binaural fitting), a significant increase from 42% in 2019.
Widespread benefits of hearing aids
Polish hearing aid users report a variety of positive outcomes. These include improved communication, better mental and emotional health, and greater participation in group activities. Importantly, 97% of users say that hearing aids improve their quality of life at least sometimes.
The benefits extend into everyday life and work. Compared to those with untreated hearing loss, hearing aid users are less likely to experience depression, feel physically or mentally exhausted at the end of the day, and are more likely to enjoy better quality sleep. Among employed users, 93% said their hearing aids help them in their job, with 69% rating them as significantly useful.
Desire for earlier treatment
A notable 58% of hearing aid users said they should have gotten their devices earlier. The top reasons cited were missing out on emotional well-being and social engagement.
Hearing tests and access
About 40% of the general population reported having had a hearing test in the past five years, with ENT doctors conducting the majority, followed by family doctors and audiologists.
However, the journey from diagnosis to treatment still has major drop-off points. While 72% of hearing-impaired individuals discussed their condition with a doctor, only 45% received a recommendation for hearing aids, and just 28% eventually acquired them.
Paying for hearing aids
Reimbursement is relatively common in Poland: 80% of hearing aid users reported receiving at least partial support from third-party funding, typically from public institutions like NFZ or PFRON. In contrast, only 33% of non-users are aware that such funding is available – a clear sign that awareness campaigns are still needed.
About the survey
EuroTrak Poland 2023 was conducted by Anovum on behalf of the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) and supported by several local companies. The survey included a representative sample of 15,162 people, with 1,315 participants reporting hearing loss.
You can download the full report at: www.ehima.com/surveys
