The Lives of Others. All About Hearing. Armenia
The Head of the «ARFA-MED» Center, Associate Professor of the Department of ENT Diseases of YSMU named after Mkh. Heratsi, Garegin Mirakyan, answered the editorial board's questions about the development of the system of assistance to patients with hearing impairments in the country and the prospects for the hearing aid market.
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Garegin Mirakyan
Associate Professor of the Department of ENT Diseases of YSMU named after Mkh. Heratsi, Head of the ENT Clinic in the Mikayelyan University Hospital of YSMU.
Founder and Director of the «Arfa-Med Hearing Aid Center»
— What are the data on the number of hearing-impaired people in your country? How many of them are adults, and how many are children?
— Based on the data from the Statistical Committee (Armstat) and the Ministry of Health, the following indicators can be cited. According to expert estimates and earlier specialized data, the number of people with significant hearing impairments (including the deaf and hard of hearing) is around 9,000−9,500 people.
At the same time, according to WHO estimates, the actual number of people with some degree of hearing loss may be significantly higher — up to 5% of the population (about 150,000 people for Armenia in 2025), but not all of them have official disability status.
In Armenia, about 40,000 children are born annually, of whom 40−50 infants are identified with hearing impairments.
Hearing impairments are one of the priority areas of state healthcare programs among all people with disabilities. Between 2022 and 2024, cochlear implantation was performed for 78 children at the expense of the state.
In Armenia, about 40,000 children are born annually, of whom 40−50 infants are identified with hearing impairments.
Hearing impairments are one of the priority areas of state healthcare programs among all people with disabilities. Between 2022 and 2024, cochlear implantation was performed for 78 children at the expense of the state.
— How are things with hearing prosthetics in Armenia in general? What is the average number of hearing aid centers operating in the country today?
— By the end of 2025, the field of hearing prosthetics in Armenia is characterized by the active introduction of modern digital technologies and the expansion of service accessibility. The country features modern digital hearing aids from leading global manufacturers from Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Russia, and the USA. Advanced diagnostic methods are used, including computerized hearing aid fitting and audiometry.
Armenia has programs for the early detection of hearing impairments (newborn screening) and surgical intervention. Cochlear implantation surgeries are performed, including with the support of international foundations.
In November 2025, the first congress on hearing restoration was held in Yerevan, bringing together more than 250 specialists, including audiologists and surdopedagogues
Armenia has programs for the early detection of hearing impairments (newborn screening) and surgical intervention. Cochlear implantation surgeries are performed, including with the support of international foundations.
In November 2025, the first congress on hearing restoration was held in Yerevan, bringing together more than 250 specialists, including audiologists and surdopedagogues
There are about 10−15 specialized centers and departments operating in Armenia at major medical institutions. Their main concentration is observed in Yerevan.
Among the key specialized hearing centers are "Arfa-Med" (official supplier of "Bernafon", "Widex", and "Starkey" hearing aids), "SVS-Medical" — official supplier of Signia digital devices, "Hearing Academy" — a network of centers offering a range of hearing aids and accessories from the Russian manufacturer "Aurica", and "Audio Sluh" — a center for diagnostics and hearing prosthetics.
Among the key specialized hearing centers are "Arfa-Med" (official supplier of "Bernafon", "Widex", and "Starkey" hearing aids), "SVS-Medical" — official supplier of Signia digital devices, "Hearing Academy" — a network of centers offering a range of hearing aids and accessories from the Russian manufacturer "Aurica", and "Audio Sluh" — a center for diagnostics and hearing prosthetics.
Departments also operate at medical centers:
- Erebuni Medical Center — a specialized Cochlear Implantation Center operates at the ENT department;
- Nairi Medical Center — conducts complete audiological examinations and hearing prosthetics;
- Mikayelyan University Hospital — surgery of the ear and hearing rehabilitation at the ENT department;
- Arabkir Medical Center — provides services in the field of pediatric audiology and hearing prosthetics;
- Shengavit Medical Center — ear surgery and cochlear implantation at the ENT department.
Path to obtaining a specialty
- Basic medical education. First, it is necessary to graduate from a bachelor’s degree in medicine (MBBS program), which takes 6 years.
- Specialization (residency). After receiving a basic diploma, doctors undergo postgraduate training (clinical residency) in "Otorhinolaryngology" or narrowly focused courses in audiology and surdology.
- Licensing. To practice, it is necessary to obtain a license from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia.
— Are there programs in Armenia for the preferential receipt of hearing aids? Which categories of citizens are they designed for.
— The Armenian government is implementing targeted assistance mechanisms. In particular, since 2017, a voucher system for people with disabilities to purchase hearing aids has been introduced. As part of separate programs (for example, in 2024), about 1,000 people with hearing impairments received free devices.
Categories of recipients:
- persons with officially confirmed hearing disability;
- citizens with disabilities for other diseases, if their Individual Rehabilitation Program (IRP) indicates the need for hearing prosthetics;
- military personnel who received hearing impairments during combat operations.
— What is the effectiveness of universal audiological screening for newborns and children of the first year in your country? How long ago was it introduced? Is there data on its results?
— Universal audiological screening for newborns in Armenia is mandatory and covers the vast majority of children. The neonatal audiological screening program was launched in Armenia in 2008. Since 2018, it has been expanded and implemented at the national level, covering all regions of the country.
Screening is considered a highly effective tool for the early detection of hearing impairments. The state fully compensates for the cost of cochlear implantation surgeries and subsequent rehabilitation. The program allows rehabilitation (including hearing prosthetics and cochlear implantation) to begin during the critical period of speech development, which contributes to the successful integration of children into society.
Screening is considered a highly effective tool for the early detection of hearing impairments. The state fully compensates for the cost of cochlear implantation surgeries and subsequent rehabilitation. The program allows rehabilitation (including hearing prosthetics and cochlear implantation) to begin during the critical period of speech development, which contributes to the successful integration of children into society.
Charitable programs
There are large-scale initiatives that complement state support.
The "Armenia Hearing Aid Project" program. It has been operating since 2017 with the support of Armenian-American funds.
Support for the elderly. In 2025, additional grant programs were launched (for example, from AWWA and FAR), which include medical care and improved access to services for single and socially vulnerable individuals over 65 in the regions
The "Armenia Hearing Aid Project" program. It has been operating since 2017 with the support of Armenian-American funds.
Support for the elderly. In 2025, additional grant programs were launched (for example, from AWWA and FAR), which include medical care and improved access to services for single and socially vulnerable individuals over 65 in the regions
— What diagnostic methods are used to check the hearing of children and adults in your country?
— In Armenia, both subjective (based on the patient’s responses) and objective methods are used to check the hearing of children and adults.
For children, diagnostics are often performed in an automatic or game format:
For adults, methods that require the active participation of the patient are more often used:
The following help to identify problems in the middle ear:
- Audiological screening. Since September 1, 2025, it is mandatory not only for newborns but also for children at 1 year and 6 years old. The main method is otoacoustic emission (OAE), which records the cochlea’s response to sound.
- ABR and ASSR tests. Objective computer diagnostics measuring the brain’s response to sound signals. This is the "gold standard" for young children who cannot yet give a conscious response.
- Play audiometry. Used for children from 3 years old, where the child performs a simple action (for example, placing a block) in response to a heard signal.
For adults, methods that require the active participation of the patient are more often used:
- Pure-tone audiometry. The main method for assessing hearing thresholds at different frequencies.
- Speech audiometry. Checking the ability to recognize whisper or conversational speech from different distances.
- Tuning fork tests. Used for a quick assessment of the type of hearing loss.
The following help to identify problems in the middle ear:
- tympanometry (impedance audiometry) — assessment of the mobility of the eardrum and pressure in the middle ear (for example, with otitis media);
- acoustic reflexometry — measurement of the contraction of the middle ear muscles in response to loud sounds.
— How do you assess the population’s need for hearing prosthetics services? Is the demand for hearing aids increasing? Is there statistics on sales and the number of patients in recent years (3−5 years)?
— The need for hearing prosthetics services among the population of Armenia remains high and shows a tendency to grow in 2026. This is due to both global demographic processes and local government initiatives.
The demand for hearing aids in Armenia is increasing, which corresponds to the global trend of market growth. The main factors are the aging of the population and increased awareness of hearing correction methods.
In 2025, there is a growing interest in purchasing devices through online platforms, however, specialists warn against this, emphasizing the importance of individual fitting.
The demand for hearing aids in Armenia is increasing, which corresponds to the global trend of market growth. The main factors are the aging of the population and increased awareness of hearing correction methods.
In 2025, there is a growing interest in purchasing devices through online platforms, however, specialists warn against this, emphasizing the importance of individual fitting.
Technological trends of 2025
In the Armenian market, as in the rest of the world, in 2025 there is a transition to new standards:
- the introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio technology in all major models;
- the growing popularity of hidden and miniature models (the global growth in this segment has been 15−25% in recent years).
— What, in your opinion, are the difficulties in the field of audiology and hearing prosthetics in Armenia? What are they related to?
— The field of audiology and hearing prosthetics in Armenia in 2025 faces a number of systemic and social challenges. The main difficulties are related to the accessibility of services, staff shortages, and the integration of new technologies.
Limited accessibility in the regions. Most specialized centers and modern diagnostic equipment are concentrated in Yerevan. Residents of remote regions often face difficulties in receiving timely help and screening.
High cost and insurance issues. Modern digital hearing aids remain expensive for a significant part of the population. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of full universal health insurance — the government has postponed the allocation of funds for this reform in the 2026 budget.
Shortage of specialized personnel. There is a lack of qualified audiologists and technical staff for the maintenance and fitting of complex systems, such as cochlear implants or devices with artificial intelligence.
Social stigmatization. Psychological barriers and prejudices in society prevent people from seeking help in a timely manner. Many patients postpone using hearing aids due to an unwillingness to publicize the problem.
Limited accessibility in the regions. Most specialized centers and modern diagnostic equipment are concentrated in Yerevan. Residents of remote regions often face difficulties in receiving timely help and screening.
High cost and insurance issues. Modern digital hearing aids remain expensive for a significant part of the population. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of full universal health insurance — the government has postponed the allocation of funds for this reform in the 2026 budget.
Shortage of specialized personnel. There is a lack of qualified audiologists and technical staff for the maintenance and fitting of complex systems, such as cochlear implants or devices with artificial intelligence.
Social stigmatization. Psychological barriers and prejudices in society prevent people from seeking help in a timely manner. Many patients postpone using hearing aids due to an unwillingness to publicize the problem.
— What, in your opinion, will be in demand in hearing prosthetics in the coming years? What should hearing aid manufacturers focus on to be successful in this field?
— In the near future, hearing prosthetics will transform from a field of highly specialized medical devices into an industry of intelligent wearable health devices. To remain competitive, manufacturers should focus on key areas such as artificial intelligence and adaptability, the ability of devices to automatically connect to broadcasts in public places (airports, theaters, conference halls) without additional accessories, miniaturization, remote fitting, etc.
In general, success will depend on the ability to turn a hearing aid into an unobtrusive "smart" gadget that not only restores hearing but also integrates a human health care system into digital life.
In general, success will depend on the ability to turn a hearing aid into an unobtrusive "smart" gadget that not only restores hearing but also integrates a human health care system into digital life.