Assistive technology is not a niche category. It is a mass market that remains largely unmet. More than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products today. By 2050 that number is projected to reach 3.5 billion. The gap between need and access is wide. See how this connects to digital inclusion statistics.
The first table shows a gap that follows income lines. Access ranges widely by country income. That difference is not about demand. It is about cost, supply chains, and trained providers. Without access, daily tasks become harder. Falls, isolation, and lost income often follow. Older adults are a large part of this population. Our senior technology adoption statistics show device use is rising but still uneven.
The second table reveals production shortfalls. Hearing aid supply does not keep pace with demand. Wheelchair access is similarly low. These shortages have real consequences. A person without a hearing aid may withdraw from conversation. A person without a wheelchair may lose independence. The World Health Organization treats assistive technology as a health system issue. It is not a luxury category. For context on smartphone use, see older adult smartphone statistics.
Global Need and Access Gap
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| People needing assistive products now | More than 2.5 billion people worldwide currently need one or more assistive products | WHO, Assistive Technology fact sheet, 2024 |
| Projected need by 2050 | An estimated 3.5 billion people will need assistive products by 2050 | WHO, Assistive Technology fact sheet, 2024 |
| Access in some low-income countries | As few as 3% of people who need assistive products have access in some low-income countries | WHO/UNICEF, Global Report on Assistive Technology, 2022 |
| Access in some high-income countries | Up to 90% of people who need assistive products have access in some high-income countries | WHO/UNICEF, Global Report on Assistive Technology, 2022 |
The third table shows commercial activity and mainstream device adoption. Hearing aid markets are worth billions. Yet revenue does not equal reach. Many people who need devices either cannot pay or cannot find fitting services. Wearable ownership among U.S. adults 50 and older is climbing, according to AARP. That trend may reduce stigma around using visible devices. It also creates a larger base for future assistive features. See age-friendly tech statistics for the wider pattern.
Hearing and Mobility Assistive Technology
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| People living with hearing loss | 1.5 billion people live with hearing loss | WHO, Assistive Technology fact sheet |
| Hearing aid production vs. global demand | Hearing aid production meets less than 10% of global demand | WHO, Assistive Technology fact sheet |
| People who need a wheelchair | An estimated 80 million people worldwide need a wheelchair | WHO/UNICEF, Global Report on Assistive Technology, 2022 |
| Wheelchair access | Only 5-35% of the estimated 80 million people worldwide who need a wheelchair have access to one | WHO/UNICEF, Global Report on Assistive Technology, 2022 |
Market Size and U.S. Adoption
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Global hearing aids market revenue, 2024 | About $9.04 billion | Grand View Research, hearing aids market |
| U.S. hearing aids market estimate, 2023 | About $2.04 billion | Grand View Research, U.S. hearing aids market |
| Wearable device ownership among U.S. adults 50+ | 36% in 2025, up from 17% in 2022 | AARP, 2025 Tech Trends |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people need assistive technology worldwide?
More than 2.5 billion people currently need one or more assistive products. The World Health Organization projects that number will rise to 3.5 billion by 2050. Need is driven by ageing populations, chronic conditions, and disability.
Why is access to assistive technology so uneven?
Access ranges from as low as 3% in some low-income countries to 90% in some high-income countries. Cost, supply chain gaps, limited training for providers, and low awareness all contribute. The gap is not about demand but about systems.
How large is the hearing aid supply gap?
Hearing aid production meets less than 10% of global demand, while 1.5 billion people live with hearing loss. Market revenue reached about $9.04 billion globally in 2024. That shows strong commercial activity but unmet public health need.
What percentage of people who need a wheelchair have one?
Only 5-35% of the estimated 80 million people worldwide who need a wheelchair have access to one. The wide range reflects differences in country income and service availability. This shortage limits mobility and independence.
Are wearable devices becoming more common among older adults?
Yes. Wearable device ownership among U.S. adults aged 50 and older reached 36% in 2025, up from 17% in 2022. AARP tracks this trend. It suggests mainstream devices are becoming more accepted in that age group.
Does assistive technology include only hearing aids and wheelchairs?
No. Assistive products also include glasses, prosthetics, communication aids, screen readers, and pill organizers. The 2.5 billion figure covers any product that helps a person function with a health condition or disability.
