The Year in Sounds: How Hearing Health Evolved in 2025

The Year in Sounds: How Hearing Health Evolved in 2025

As we wave goodbye to 2025, it’s a good time to reflect on how far hearing health has come across Australia. This year brought greater awareness, new technology, and a growing focus on proactive care. Many Australians began taking small steps to prioritise their hearing health, and these positive changes helped many stay connected, confident and engaged in everyday life. 

More Australians Are Booking Hearing Checks

Early hearing checks became a key part of many people’s health routines in 2025. People are becoming more aware that hearing changes can be gradual. A simple check may help someone understand what they’re experiencing and make decisions that support long-term wellbeing. 

You may have noticed: 

• More conversations about early hearing checks.
• A growing interest in understanding hearing changes sooner. 
• A shift toward treating hearing checks like eye checks or skin checks; something that should be scheduled regularly and be a natural part of caring for overall wellbeing.   

This gentle, proactive approach can help people stay ahead of changes and feel empowered about their hearing health.

Rechargeable Hearing Aids Became A Popular Choice

Rechargeable hearing aids were a popular technology choice this year. Many people enjoyed the convenience and personal confidence these models offer.¹

• Reasons people may choose rechargeable options include:
• Charging overnight for a full day of sound.
• No need to handle small batteries.
• Reliable performance and improved battery life.
• Sleek, modern designs that feel easy to wear.

In late 2025, new technology continued to reflect this focus on comfort and ease, including the launch of the Phonak Audéo™ Infinio Ultra on 27 October. This next evolution in hearing technology reflects growing interest in solutions designed to support clearer listening in noisy environments, improved connectivity and everyday ease of use. 

For many users, the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids supported a more comfortable and consistent hearing experience. 

Growing Interest In Custom-Fit Hearing Solutions

Custom-fit hearing aids also had a strong year. Many people appreciated that these devices are shaped to their ear, which may offer comfort and a more discreet appearance.

People showed interest in custom-fit models because they offer:

• A tailored fit for comfort.
• Secure placement for active lifestyles.
• A design that’s subtle and personalised.

This rise in interest reflects a broader desire for personalised healthcare.² People want solutions that fit their lifestyle, routines and preferences, and hearing health is no exception.

A Shift Towards Proactive, People-First Care

I major theme of 2025 was the shift toward proactive, personalised hearing care. Australians showed a growing willingness to learn about hearing health, explore technology options and speak openly about their experiences. This created a warm and supportive space for people to take positive steps toward better hearing.

Across our Connect Hearing clinics, we also saw this change. Our friendly team met more clients who were curious about early hearing checks, interested in new technology and keen to stay connected with the world around them. 

One highlight was the official launch of Australia’s first Connect World of Hearing, with a Grand Opening held on World Hearing Day (3 March 2025). The space was designed to help Australians explore hearing health in an engaging, welcoming way and reflects a growing focus on education and accessibility. 

Other milestones for Connect Hearing include: 

• Opening new clinics in local communities. 
• Updating product ranges to reflect client needs. 
• Running awareness campaigns that encouraged early hearing checks. 
• Expanding video content to help make hearing health information easier to understand and more accessible for clients. 

All of these efforts were guided by the goal of helping people feel confident about their hearing health. As 2025 draws to a close, the future of hearing health looks bright. With growing awareness, better technology and a proactive mindset, Australians may find it easier than ever to take care of their hearing. 

If you’re curious about your own hearing or want to feel more connected in 2026, book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic. Our experienced team will help make any adjustments necessary to ensure your hearing experience is a positive and comfortable one. 

References

• Seminars In Hearing (3 October 2025), MarkeTrak 2025: Consumer Perspectives on Hearing Health in an Evolving Market, National Library of Medicine, accessed 28 November 2025.