March 21, 2026
The global hearing aids market was valued at approximately $9.74 billion in 2024 and reached an estimated $10.35 billion in 2025, according to MarketsandMarkets, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8 percent through 2030. North America accounts for the largest regional share, generating approximately $5.78 billion in 2025 revenue. In Tennessee, hearing aid retailers and dispensing practices are required to register through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov, paying a $15 registration fee to the county or city clerk. Prescription hearing aids are exempt from Tennessee sales tax as prosthetic devices under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 67-6-314, because they augment the natural function of hearing. Over-the-counter (OTC (over-the-counter, available without a prescription)) hearing aids may also qualify for this exemption, as prosthetic devices do not require a prescription to be exempt under TCA § 67-6-314(1). Buyers should confirm the specific tax treatment with their provider or the Tennessee Department of Revenue. These financial and regulatory parameters frame the market environment for both consumers and providers across the state.
An aging population, a large veterans community with high rates of service-connected hearing loss, and two major academic audiology programs anchor Tennessee’s hearing aid market. Tennessee’s population dynamics make hearing care a priority health service. The state’s share of residents aged 65 and older has grown steadily, mirroring national aging trends that drive demand for hearing devices, as age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis (gradual hearing loss that occurs as people age), is among the most common chronic conditions in older adults. Tennessee is also home to a substantial veterans population, and hearing loss remains the single most prevalent service-connected disability among United States (U.S.) veterans receiving care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Major academic audiology programs at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) train audiologists and conduct hearing research, contributing to a strong clinical infrastructure throughout the state. These programs also operate patient-facing audiology clinics that serve the broader community.
The FDA’s 2022 over-the-counter hearing aid rule fundamentally changed how Tennessee adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase devices, removing the prescription and professional fitting requirements that previously governed the market. Federal oversight of hearing aids underwent a major transformation when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule on August 17, 2022, effective October 17, 2022, creating a new category of OTC hearing aids under 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 800, 801, 808, 820, 868, and 874. This rule allows adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to purchase hearing aids directly, without a medical examination, prescription, or fitting by a licensed professional, from retail stores or online. OTC devices are subject to output limits, labeling standards, and quality system requirements codified at 21 CFR Part 820 (the FDA’s quality system regulation for medical device manufacturing). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces advertising standards for hearing aid sellers, prohibiting deceptive claims. At the state level, Tennessee regulates hearing instrument specialists under TCA § 63-17-201 et seq., the Licensure Act for Communication Disorders and Sciences, administered by the Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists under the Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences. The 2022 FDA OTC rule federally preempts state laws that would restrict the sale or distribution of OTC hearing aids, as codified at 21 CFR § 800.30(h)(1).
A professional audiological evaluation is the most reliable starting point for any Tennessee resident considering hearing aids, as it identifies the type and severity of hearing loss and clarifies whether an OTC device or a prescription model with professional fitting is the better path forward. OTC devices are only suitable for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss; severe or profound hearing loss, hearing loss in children, or hearing loss with accompanying symptoms such as dizziness, pain, or sudden onset requires evaluation by a licensed audiologist or physician. When purchasing any hearing aid, asking about the trial period is a practical first step. Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 63-17-216 governs the sale of hearing instruments in the state and requires clear permanent labeling on all devices sold. Clarifying warranty terms, follow-up adjustment appointments, and battery or charging requirements before purchase provides important protection. Tennessee consumers can pursue complaints about unfair or deceptive sales practices under TCA § 47-18-104, the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. A comprehensive audiological evaluation from a licensed audiologist determines whether an OTC device or a prescription hearing aid best addresses the specific hearing loss profile, and the trial period and return policy terms from the provider define the window for real-world testing before a final commitment.
Top Hearing Aids Providers in Tennessee
Hearing Services of Nashville
- Address: 3443 Dickerson Pike, Suite 350, Nashville, TN 37207
- Phone: (615) 392-5461
- Website: https://hearingservicesofnashville.com
- Description: Hearing Services of Nashville is an independent audiology practice led by Dr. Andrea Alderson, a Doctor of Audiology and practice owner focused on personalized, comprehensive hearing care. The practice offers diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings and programming, hearing aid repairs, tinnitus treatment, hearing protection, and earwax management.
Brentwood Hearing Center — Nashville
- Address: 5544 Franklin Pike, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37220
- Phone: (615) 377-0420
- Website: https://brentwoodhearingcenter.com
- Description: Brentwood Hearing Center provides comprehensive audiological services to patients ranging from infants through older adults, located just north of Brentwood near Interstate 65. The practice offers diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings and management, and specialty services. The center holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has served the Nashville metro area for many years with a patient-centered approach to hearing health.
Physicians Hearing Care Tennessee — Knoxville (Park West)
- Address: 9430 Park West Blvd, Suite 335, Knoxville, TN 37923
- Phone: (865) 693-6065
- Website: https://phctennessee.com
- Description: Physicians Hearing Care Tennessee is a division of Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants of East Tennessee, operating multiple locations across the Knoxville area including Park West, Fort Sanders, Lenoir City, and Tellico Village. The practice fields a team of 11 licensed clinical audiologists and hearing doctors who offer comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, tinnitus evaluation, and balance assessments. Current hearing aid pricing at this practice ranges from $1,500 to $3,300, which includes a bundled service plan.
Memphis Hearing Aid & Audiological Services — Memphis
- Address: 1068 Cresthaven Rd, Memphis, TN 38119
- Phone: (901) 762-1369
- Website: https://www.memphishearingaid.com
- Description: Memphis Hearing Aid & Audiological Services is one of the region’s most established hearing care providers, with more than 150 years of combined clinical experience across its seven locations. Licensed and credentialed audiologists staff all locations, offering comprehensive diagnostic testing, hearing aid fittings across a wide range of devices and price points, and long-term follow-up care. The organization serves patients in the greater Memphis metropolitan area, including parts of Mississippi and Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hearing aid retailers and audiologists in Tennessee need a business license?
Yes. All businesses selling hearing aids or providing audiology services in Tennessee must register through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov and pay a $15 registration fee to the county or city clerk. Hearing instrument specialists must also hold a state license issued by the Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists under TCA § 63-17-201 et seq.
Are hearing aids subject to sales tax in Tennessee?
Hearing aids are exempt from Tennessee sales tax as prosthetic devices under TCA § 67-6-314(1), which exempts prosthetic devices for human use without requiring a prescription. Hearing aids qualify because they augment the natural function of hearing. Both prescription and OTC hearing aids may be eligible for this exemption. Consumers should confirm the specific tax treatment with their provider or contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue at (800) 342-1003 for current guidance.
What did the FDA’s 2022 OTC hearing aid rule change for consumers?
The FDA’s August 2022 final rule created a new category of OTC hearing aids allowing adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to purchase hearing aids directly without a prescription or audiologist fitting. This rule, codified at 21 CFR § 800.30, became effective October 17, 2022, and is intended to increase access and reduce costs for millions of Americans who previously could not afford or access prescription hearing devices.
Who regulates hearing instrument specialists in Tennessee?
Hearing instrument specialists are licensed and regulated in Tennessee by the Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists, operating under the Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences. All individuals who sell, fit, or dispense hearing instruments in the state must hold a current license issued under TCA § 63-17-201 et seq.. Complaints about unlicensed practice can be directed to the Tennessee Department of Health at (800) 778-4504.
What is the difference between a prescription hearing aid and an OTC hearing aid?
Prescription hearing aids are intended for individuals with moderate to severe or profound hearing loss, require a medical evaluation, and must be fitted and programmed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. OTC hearing aids are designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and can be self-fitted without a professional. The distinction is codified under the FDA’s 2022 rule at 21 CFR Parts 800 and 801, which also preserved prescription device requirements for users under age 18. The American Academy of Audiology provides clinical guidance on this distinction at audiology.org.
What consumer protections apply to hearing aid purchases in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s Hearing Instrument Specialist statutes at TCA § 63-17-216 require that all hearing aids sold in the state be permanently and clearly labeled with the manufacturer name, model designation, and year of manufacture, along with contact information for the Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists. Consumers also have rights under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act at TCA § 47-18-104, which prohibits deceptive acts or practices in the sale of goods and services. Prescription hearing aid sales must include trial period disclosures. Additional federal consumer protections apply under 21 CFR § 800.30(h)(1).
What return and warranty protections should I expect when buying hearing aids in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not mandate a universal return period for hearing aids, though the FDA’s 2022 rule for over-the-counter hearing aids recommends a minimum return period. Purchasers should confirm the seller’s trial period, any fitting or restocking fees, and whether the warranty covers repairs, replacement parts, and loss protection.