My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Hearing aids becoming as common as reading glasses
Timeframe: 10-20 years for mass adoption
What's Changing
2.5 billion people expected to experience hearing loss by 2050, with hearing aids going from stigmatized medical devices to normalized consumer products like reading glasses
Driving Forces
AirPods usage 8+ hours daily creating hearing damage
Loud environments (SoulCycle, concerts) becoming cultural norm
Aging population with greater hearing loss
Over-the-counter availability reducing stigma and cost barriers
Winners
- Consumer hearing aid companies
- Stylish hearing protection brands
- Hearing health apps and services
- Companies making hearing-accessible products
Losers
- Traditional prescription hearing aid incumbents
- Businesses that don't consider hearing accessibility
How to Position Yourself
Focus on lifestyle and aesthetics over medical messaging
Target prevention rather than just treatment
Build for younger demographics before they need medical intervention
Early Signals to Watch
Example Implementation
“Loop earplugs marketing to concert-goers as lifestyle accessories rather than medical devices, charging premium prices for attractive design”