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.