OTC Hearing Aids Market - By Product (Receiver in Canal [RIC], Completely-in-the-Canal [CIC], Earbuds), Type (Preset, Self-fitting), Distribution Channel (Brick & Mortar Stores, E-commerce), Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

OTC Hearing Aids Market Size

OTC Hearing Aids Market size was valued at around USD 374.5 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 5.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This robust market growth can be attributed to factors such as rising geriatric population base coupled with high disease burden of hearing loss.
 

The prevalence of hearing loss among elderly individuals is on the rise, attributed to various factors including otosclerosis, age-related sensorineural degeneration, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). According to the American Hearing Research Foundation, in 2023, over 3 million Americans were estimated to have otosclerosis. It's the most common cause of middle ear mechanical hearing loss among adults.
 

Otosclerosis, characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, can lead to conductive hearing loss, while age-related sensorineural degeneration and presbycusis contribute to the gradual decline in auditory sensitivity. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can occur abruptly, further exacerbating the prevalence of hearing impairments among the elderly.
 

Moreover, hearing impairment in the elderly often manifests as a profound condition affecting both ears equally. This growing issue within the aging population is anticipated to significantly contribute high disease burden of hearing loss, thereby fostering the growth of the OTC hearing aids market.
 

Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids refer to hearing devices that can be purchased directly by consumers without the need for a prescription or a professional fitting by an audiologist. These devices are designed to help people with mild to moderate hearing loss and are available without the traditional process of visiting a healthcare professional for evaluation and customization.
 

The poor awareness and prevailing social stigma surrounding the use of hearing aids constitute significant pitfalls for the OTC hearing aid market. Despite advancements in hearing amplifiers technology and a growing prevalence of hearing loss, a considerable portion of the population remains uninformed regarding the benefits of hearing aids and the accessibility of OTC solutions.
 

Furthermore, negative stereotypes and misconceptions regarding hearing loss can lead individuals to perceive the use of hearing aids as a sign of weakness or aging, contributing to a reluctance to embrace these devices openly. This stigma can have a profound impact on individuals' self-esteem and confidence, discouraging them from seeking help and hindering the acceptance of OTC hearing aids as accessible and acceptable solutions.
 

OTC Hearing Aids Market Trends

The increasing prevalence of hearing loss has emerged as a significant catalyst propelling the growth of the market.
 

• Deafness and hearing loss are pervasive issues affecting people across all regions and countries, as highlighted by the Word Health Organization. Currently, more than 1.5 billion individuals, constituting nearly 20% of the global population, suffer with varying degrees of hearing impairment, with 430 million experiencing disabling hearing loss. Projections indicate that by the year 2050, the number of individuals with disabling hearing loss could surpass 700 million.
   
• Moreover, this widespread challenge is not limited to adults, as globally, 34 million children contend with deafness or hearing loss, and alarmingly, 60% of these cases are attributed to preventable causes. Thus, the magnitude and widespread nature of these statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and accessible solutions to address the global impact of hearing loss across diverse age groups.
   
• Additionally, the OTC hearing aids market plays a pivotal role in addressing this growing healthcare need. By offering a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional hearing aids, it provides individuals with hearing impairments an opportunity to enhance their auditory experiences. This aligns with the broader trend of consumer empowerment in managing personal health, emphasizing the market's crucial role in meeting the rising demand for audiology devices in an increasingly auditory-challenged society.
   

Thus, as the market continues to innovate and expand, it stands at the forefront of addressing the global impact of hearing loss across diverse age groups, thereby is anticipated to augment industry expansion.
 

OTC Hearing Aids Market Analysis

The market by product is segmented into receiver in canal (RIC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), earbuds, and other products. Receiver in canal (RIC) segment held substantial revenue share in the global market accounting for 31.9% business share in the year 2023.
 

• The high growth rate of the RIC segment is due to its combination of technological advancement, discreet design, customization, and connectivity. For instance, products including the GN Group's Jabra Enhance RIC OTC hearing aids offer advanced features, including 360-degree sound, providing all the necessary elements for an enhanced hearing experience. Thus, features such as digital processing and wireless options not only enhance the sound quality but also significantly improves the user convenience.
   
• Moreover, the demand from an aging population base for comfortable and effective solutions further boosts segments popularity, while market competition and innovation drive rapid growth. Therefore, the RIC segment's success is driven by its tech-savvy approach, aesthetic appeal, and its ability to cater to the needs of an aging population base, positioning it as the largest-growing segment in the market.
   

Based on type, the OTC hearing aids market is categorized into present and self-fitting. The preset segment dominated the market with 60.5% revenue share in 2023 and is projected to expand at 6% CAGR from 2024 – 2032.
 

• The preset hearing aids are user-friendly & easy-to operate which increases its usage among patients with hearing difficulty. The choice for preset hearing aids is further fueled by advancements in technology, making them more sophisticated and effective in addressing various hearing needs.
   
• Further, they host pre-programmed settings that are optimized for specific listening environments, such as quiet settings, noisy environments, or music listening. This aids in simplifying the process of adjusting the hearing aids and enables the users to switch between different settings easily, depending on their listening needs.
   
• Moreover, preset hearing aids often offer cost-effective solutions compared to custom alternatives. This affordability factor plays a crucial role, widening the accessibility of hearing aids for a broader demographic. Therefore, the aforementioned factors witness the preset segment dominance in the market.
   

The OTC hearing aids market by distribution channel is categorized into brick & mortar stores and e-commerce. Brick & mortar stores segment held substantial revenue share in the market accounting for 58.5% business share in the year 2023.
 

• Brick-and-mortar stores, include pharmacies, retail chains, and dedicated hearing aid centers, stand as reliable and well-known options for individuals seeking hearing aids. The success of these physical locations is propelled by face-to-face consultations with hearing professionals, the ability to test and experience hearing aids firsthand, immediate product availability, and easily accessible customer support services.
   
• Additionally, their extensive nationwide presence ensures convenient access for a diverse consumer base seeking solutions for hearing impairments. Moreover, their robust reputation for trust, dependability, and personalized service firmly positions them as prominent market leaders, providing customers with a thorough and reassuring shopping experience.
   

North America held the largest market share of 42.6% in 2023 and is anticipated to expand at 5.9% CAGR over the forecast timeframe.
 

• The significant occurrence of hearing impairment, rising rate of product adoption, and growing awareness regarding hearing loss are factors that are estimated to drive regional market expansion. In 2023, as per the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) estimates, approximately 15.5% of U.S. individuals aged 18 years and above, equivalent to about 40 million individuals, encounter hearing difficulties.
   
• Furthermore, the market's growth is further fueled by rising product adoption rates and recent regulatory changes favoring OTC hearing aids accessibility that has generated avenues for business growth, enhancing the product adoption.
   

OTC Hearing Aids Market Share

The OTC hearing aids industry is fragmented in nature, with several large multinationals and small and mid-sized companies competing in the industry. The development and launch of novel advanced products based on different technologies is among a key market strategy. Some of the leading industry players including Sonova Holding AG, GN Hearing A/S (GN Group), and WS Audiology Denmark A/S among others have a notable presence in the market.
 

OTC Hearing Aids Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the OTC hearing aids industry include:

• Audicus
• Audien Hearing
• Austar Hearing Science and Technology (Xiamen) Co., Ltd
• Eargo Inc
• GN Hearing A/S (GN Group)
• Hangzhou AcoSound Technology Co., Ltd
• HearX Group (pty) LTD (Lexie Hearing)
• InnerScope Hearing Technologies Inc
• Lucid Hearing (HEARING LAB TECHNOLOGY, LLC)
• MD Hearing
• Neuheara Limited
• Nuvomed Inc
• Sonova Holding AG
• SoundWave Hearing, LLC
• Starkey
• WS Audiology Denmark A/S
• Xiamen Melosound Technology Co.Ltd.
   

OTC Hearing Aids Industry News:

• In January 2022, Eargo launched Eargo 6, sixth generation FDA class II device that adjusts automatically according to the environment. This product launch helped the company to expand its customer base and thus helped in driving the revenue growth.
   
• In December 2021, GN acquired Lively, an online hearing aid sales and digital marketing platform that enables consumers to purchase & receive hearing care from licensed hearing care professionals in the U.S. GN has close ties with Lively, having been its sole supplier of hearing aids. This forward integration will help the company to drive its commercial presence in e-commerce hearing aids sales channel and accelerate revenue generation.
   

OTC hearing aids market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD and volume in units from 2022 to 2032 for the following segments:

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By Product, 2022 – 2032 (USD Million) (Units)

• Receiver in canal (RIC)
• Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
• Earbuds
• Other products

By Type, 2022 – 2032 (USD Million)

• Preset
• Self-fitting

By Distribution Channel, 2022 – 2032 (USD Million)

• Brick & mortar stores
• E-commerce

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Sweden
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Philippines
  • Malaysia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Israel
  • Turkey
  • Egypt
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa