MarkeTrak 2022: Insights into the Evolving Hearing Market.

Abstract

MarkeTrak I came out in 1989. I was a PhD student at Northwestern University at the time and I can remember Dr. Mead Killion telling me to take a look at it. This survey and those that followed collect data on the estimated incidence of hearing loss within the United States, household income and education related to amplification use, satisfaction with amplification, new user rates, along with a myriad of other data. I was immediately struck by the wealth of information that the survey offered. I ended up using a number of data points from this original survey in the introduction to my dissertation. A year later, I would be starting a faculty position that focused on research and teaching and 8 years later I would add medical center clinic director to my responsibilities. No matter the setting—research, teaching, or clinic—I found that MarkeTrak had something to offer that informed my decision making. That has remained true through MarkeTrak X and now MarkeTrak 2022. I have used the information for benchmarking our clinical activities, motivating innovations to address barriers identified in the surveys, supporting research initiatives, and teaching amplification and practice management courses. These surveys are a gift to our profession and impact patient care.