IC55-S4970 - Italian Competition Authority: Conclusion of a sector inquiry on hearing aid markets and report sent to Parliament and other institutions
PRESS RELEASE
At the end of the sector inquiry initiated last September, the Italian Competition Authority sent a report to the Parliament, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy, National Agency for Regional Health Services-Agenas, Regions, and Autonomous Provinces to highlight issues regarding the transparency of offerings to the public and supplies to the National Health Service.
The Authority concluded its sector inquiry, initiated in September 2023, dedicated to hearing aid markets. At least 7 million Italians suffer from hearing problems, of which about 2,5 million already use hearing aids. Compared to other countries, such as France, in Italy, the average price for a single device (ranging between 1,500 and 2,100 euros) is higher and with less public support for purchases.
The inquiry revealed a lack of transparency in the commercial conditions offered to the public: consumers struggle to obtain clear information both of technical nature and regarding the price of the device and associated services, usually sold together without any distinction. Services represent the main expense in the package, a fact not perceived by consumers. Therefore, the Authority has alerted the Parliament, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy, Agenas, Regions, and Autonomous Provinces to the opportunity to ensure, also through regulatory interventions, clear and distinct indication to the public of the price of the device versus the price of the related services offered to the user.
Regarding hearing aids provided by the National Health Service, the inquiry revealed serious difficulties in public procurement procedures, due to unclear regulations that have hindered the effective implementation of essential levels of care, in addition to strong opposition experienced from major commercial operators. In light of the possibility that public supplies may return to a tariff regime, the Authority believes that, to guarantee the efficiency of public spending and in view of strengthening competitive mechanisms, the relevant administrations may still be allowed to conduct tenders. The Authority has also emphasized the importance of allocating the reimbursement amount directly to the beneficiary through the introduction of a “hearing voucher”, to support competition among product and service providers that allows access to an appropriate and technologically updated offer.
Rome, 9 April 2024