Towards Healthcare
In-Ear Hearing Aids Market Size Dominates the ITE-half Shell

In-Ear Hearing Aids Market Size to Calculate USD 6.99 Billion by 2034

The in-ear hearing aids market was dominated by the ITE-half shell segment, known for its comfort and effectiveness in treating mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The ITE-full shell segment is expected to grow significantly, offering more amplification for moderate-to-severe cases. Additionally, age-related hearing loss is the leading application, driven by a rising geriatric population, with over 25% of individuals over 60 experiencing disabling hearing loss globally.

In-Ear Hearing Aids Market Companies, Shares and Segments Growth

The in-ear hearing aids market was estimated at US$ 3.52 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$ 6.99 billion by 2034, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.43% from 2024 to 2034. The rising incidences of hearing loss, technological advancements, and favorable government policies.

In-Ear Hearing Aids Market Revenue 2023 - 2034

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In-Ear Hearing Aids Market: The Sound Revolution

Hearing aids are small devices worn behind or in the ear and enable hearing for people with hearing loss by making some sounds louder. The type of hearing aid depends on the patient’s level of hearing ability, visual and technological preferences, and lifestyle. In-the-ear (ITE) devices either fit completely in the entire ear or a portion of the bowl of the ear. They are often recommended for people with mild to severe hearing loss. The three main components of an in-the-ear hearing aid are a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. The rising incidences and prevalence of hearing loss necessitate the use of hearing aids among individuals. Additionally, technological advancements and the latest innovations in hearing aids enhance hearing ability and make it visually appealing, boosting market growth.

  • Demant A/S is a Danish multinational company covering all areas of hearing healthcare from hearing diagnostics to hearing aids. The company showed 14% revenue growth in 2023, i.e., 22,443 DKK million ($3 billion). Out of the total revenue, 10,036 DKK million revenue resulted from the development, production, and wholesale of hearing aids, while 9,083 DKK million revenue came from hearing aid retail activities with global clinics.
  • In October 2022, the US FDA established a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults 18 years and above with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to increase the public’s access to hearing aids and improve hearing.

3D Printing Technology: Opportunity for the In-Ear Hearing Aids Market

3D printing technology is a rapidly evolving technique used in various sectors globally, including healthcare. Several researchers and market companies are using advanced technologies to design and manufacture modern products with enhanced efficiency. 3D printing technology is used for designing and producing hearing aids. The technology enables the production of personalized devices based on the patient’s ear size. This is especially useful for pediatric patients whose ear sizes change gradually over time. Traditionally, fast-growing young children require multiple sets of hearing aids in their first five years. 3D printing can produce hearing aids of different sizes. Also, novel designs of hearing aids can be visually appealing according to the patient’s needs, fostering the demand for in-ear hearing aids.

For instance,

  • In August 2024, the Callier Center for Communication Disorders at the University of Texas, Dallas, opened its clinical innovation lab on the Richardson campus to use 3D-printing technology for creating custom earmolds for pediatric hearing aids.

High-Cost Hinder the In-Ear Hearing Aids Market

The high cost of an in-ear hearing aid is a major hindrance to the market. The average cost of an in-ear hearing aid ranges from $2,000 to more than $6,000. Also, they are usually not covered by insurance, restricting the use of in-ear hearing aids, especially by people in LMICs.

Regional Insights

Rising Incidences of Hearing Loss Dominated North America

North America dominated the in-ear hearing aids market in 2023. The rising incidences of hearing loss, technological advancements, favorable government policies, and the presence of key players drive the market. Around 30 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 15%, i.e., 37.5 million Americans of 18 years and above, have some trouble hearing. About 1 in 3 people in the US between ages 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. The rising cases of congenital deafness are also a major concern. Around 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the U.S. are born with detectable levels of hearing loss in one or both ears. Additionally, in a recent study conducted in Canada among people aged 40 to 79, 63% of men and 46% of women had measurable hearing loss. Several government programs, such as the Ontario Disability Support Program, offer financial support for hearing aids and related devices.

Government Policies Drive the Asia-Pacific Market

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the in-ear hearing aids market during the forecast period. The rising geriatric population, rising incidences of hearing loss, growing research and development, and increasing investments & collaborations drive the market. It is estimated that around 6.3% of the Indian population has significant auditory impairment, accounting for 63 million people. In a 2024 epidemiological study, it was found that 1.62 per 1,000 newborns suffered congenital deafness. The rising geriatric population in China, India, and Japan are at a high risk for age-related hearing loss cases. Furthermore, the Chinese government is in the process of developing national reimbursement policies for people with hearing loss. The National Program on Prevention and Control of Deafness by the Indian Government spreads awareness through screening programs and provides diagnosis and treatment to hearing loss patients. It also provides free hearing aids for people with family incomes less than Rs. 6,500.

Segmental Insights

By type, the ITE-half shell segment held a significant share of the in-ear hearing aids market in 2023. A half-shell ITE hearing aid is a type of earmold that fits in the bottom half or third of the ear canal. It is usually more comfortable than full-shell and is used to treat mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

The ITE-full shell segment is estimated to grow at a notable rate in the in-ear hearing aids market during the forecast period. A full-shell earmold fits in the entire ear canal. It provides more amplification than half-shell as it covers the ear and is usually used for moderate-to-severe hearing loss cases. Also, they are larger than other in-ear hearing aids. Hence, they are easier for people facing dexterity challenges.

By application, the age-related hearing loss segment held the largest share of the in-ear hearing aids market in 2023. The rising incidences of age-related hearing loss due to the increasing geriatric population govern the use of in-ear hearing aids. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, and over 25% of people above 60 years globally are affected by disabling hearing loss.

Recent Developments in the In-Ear Hearing Aids Market

  • In September 2024, the US FDA approved the first OTC hearing aid software to be featured in Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods adjust the sound levels to a user’s specific needs and improve their listening experience of both media and the world around them.
  • In May 2024, Oticon launched the world’s first hearing aid with 4D Sensor technology, Oticon Intent, for Veterans experiencing hearing loss. It enables veterans to have better speech comprehension by 15% and access to 360o soundscape.

In-Ear Hearing Aids Market Companies

Top Companies in the In-Ear Hearing Aids Market

  • Beltone
  • Bernafon
  • Demant A/S
  • Henry Ford Health
  • MED-EL
  • Oticon, Inc.
  • ReSound Hearing Aids
  • Rexton
  • Sound Life, Inc.
  • Starkey Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.
  • Unitron
  • Widex A/S

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

  • ITE-Half Shell
  • ITE-Full Shell
  • ITE-Low Shell

By Application

  • Age-Related Hearing Loss
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Traumatic Hearing Loss
  • Others

By Region

  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Denmark
    • Norway
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait
  • Insight Code: 5298
  • No. of Pages: 150+
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Published: October 2024
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2022
  • Base Year: 2023
  • Estimated Years: 2024-2033

About The Author

Deepa has certified the degree of Master’s in Pharmacy in the Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance department from Dr D.Y. Patil College of Pharmacy. Her research is focused on the healthcare industry. She is the author or co-author of four Review Articles, which include Solid dispersion a strategic method for poorly soluble drugs and solubility improvement techniques for poorly soluble drugs, Herbal Drugs Used In Treatment Of Cataracts, Nano sponges And Their Application in Cancer Prevention and Ayurvedic Remedies of Peptic ulcer. She has also published a Research Article on the Formulation and Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Tablets of Miconazole cocrystal which was published in GIS Science Journal Volume 9 Issue 8. Her passion for secondary research and desire to take on the challenge of solving unresolved issues is making her flourish is the in the research sector.

FAQ's

Hearing aids usually last, on average, for three to seven years. In-ear hearing aids have an estimated lifespan of four to five years.

In-ear hearing aids are unable to adjust their volume due to their size compared to larger hearing aids. They are also prone to getting clogged with earwax.

World Health Organization, Food and Drug Administration, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.