Japan's Hearing Problem: The Reality Behind the 15% Hearing Device Penetration Rate and Steps to Change It

In Japan, 1 in 10 people struggles with hearing loss, yet only 15% take action.

Many people in Japan experience anxiety regarding their hearing. According to 'JapanTrak 2022,' a large-scale survey conducted by the Japan Hearing Instruments Manufacturers Association, 10.0% of the population reports concerns about their hearing. Derived from a nationwide survey of 14,061 individuals, this figure represents more than just a statistic. It reflects the reality of approximately 14 million Japanese people whose daily lives are affected—whether it is the fading sound of family laughter or the burden of turning up the TV volume so loud that it disturbs others. Despite this situation, only 15.2% of individuals use products designed to support their hearing. Why do the remaining 84.8% take no action?

## International Comparisons Highlight Japan's Delay in Hearing Care
When compared internationally, Japan's lag in addressing hearing loss is evident.

The adoption rate is 1/3.6th of Denmark's and 1/3.5th of the UK's, placing Japan at an overwhelmingly low level among developed nations. Even more concerning is how these products are used. In Japan, the binaural (both ears) fitting rate is 43%, lagging significantly behind the average of developed nations, which is around 70%. Furthermore, the average daily usage time is 6.5 hours—more than 3 hours shorter than Switzerland's 9.8 hours and Denmark's 9.1 hours. Even when individuals acquire hearing products, they often do not utilize them fully. This is the current situation in Japan.

## Why Action Isn't Taken: Three Major Barriers

### Barrier 1: The Heavy Image of a 'Medical Device'
How many people visit a hospital when they experience hearing concerns? The JapanTrak 2022 survey reveals shocking results: only 38% of those with hearing anxiety consult a doctor. The remaining 62% choose to 'endure' or 'give up' without seeking medical help. Even among those who do consult a physician, 63% are told that 'there is no particular need to do anything.' This response is given by 63% of otolaryngologists and 53% of primary care doctors. From a medical standpoint, this may be correct. Hearing aids are medical devices, and unless hearing loss drops below a certain threshold, they are not prescribed. However, starting with mild hearing difficulties, people gradually find conversation tedious, go out less, and become socially isolated. A stark contradiction exists: while 72% of primary care doctors say 'nothing needs to be done,' 99% of hearing aid specialty stores 'recommend the use of products.' The equation that 'hearing aid = medical device = heavy choice' deeply exacerbates Japan's hearing problem.

### Barrier 2: Financial and Effort-Related Hurdles
Hearing aids typically range from 100,000 yen to over 500,000 yen. Although insurance covers some cases, the high out-of-pocket cost is a major hurdle. 'Lack of financial leeway (26%)' ranks high among the reasons for non-use. Furthermore, only 8% of people utilized the hearing aid purchase subsidy system, while an overwhelming 92% are unaware that such a system even exists. Additionally, 88% do not know that hearing aids are exempt from consumption tax—highlighting how information asymmetry creates a significant barrier. We also cannot overlook the fact that 'it is bothersome (57%)' is the number one reason for not using them. Visiting specialty stores, repeated fittings, and maintenance efforts place a heavy burden on the user, as a tradeoff for the 'correctness' required of a medical device.

### Barrier 3: 'Unknown' Options
Only 14% of the public is aware of the national qualification 'Certified Hearing Aid Technician.' Meanwhile, 33% are unaware of the existence of specialty hearing aid stores. Strikingly, only 4% know about the Technoaids Association, a core public interest corporation for hearing support. Information is simply not reaching the public, leaving options invisible. This lack of awareness lies at the root of Japan's hearing care issue.

## The Cost of 'Not Hearing': Statistics Show a Decline in Quality of Life
Neglecting hearing loss is not merely an 'inconvenience.' Data from JapanTrak 2022 shows a profound connection between hearing and overall quality of life.

### Disparities in Depression Risk
Among people with high hearing anxiety who do not use hearing aids, 10% have a high risk of depression, compared to only 2% among users—a five-fold difference.

### Improvement in Evening Fatigue
Those who feel physical fatigue 'very strongly' are 21% among non-owners and 5% among owners. Similarly, 20% of non-owners experience strong mental fatigue, compared to just 4% of owners. Data shows that improving hearing helps individuals maintain vitality until the end of the day.

### Enhanced Sleep Quality
Among hearing aid owners, 64% are satisfied with their usual sleep, compared to 40% of non-owners (top 50%). Being able to hear better enables more people to sleep peacefully at night. The reality that 18% of people with hearing anxiety associate it with 'dementia' cannot be ignored. With global research pointing to the link between hearing decline and dementia risk, early hearing care becomes a crucial key to extending healthy life expectancy.