OTC Hearing Aids Market size was estimated at USD 398.5 million in 2024 and is projected to attain USD 801.9 million in 2037, surging at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period i.e. 2025 to 2037. In 2025, the industry size of OTC hearing aids is assessed at USD 422.4 million.
The market has grown massively owing to the innovation in technologies, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer preference. The major online retail platforms are also making it easier to reach broader markets. Therefore, the need for convenience, cost-effectiveness, and advanced features in hearing aid products will increase with time.
Furthermore, the growth is essentially driven by a higher incidence rate of age-related hearing loss and a further increasing need for even more affordable, friendly hearing solutions. For instance, in March 2023, according to the reports of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, approximately 30 million adults in the U.S. suffer from partial or some degree of hearing impairments. In addition, technological innovations such as bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and much-enhanced sound processing are creating customer interest. For instance, in October 2024, Apple made AirPods Pro 2 as a low-cost hearing aid. It has an updating software that will transform millions of its AirPods into the FDA-approved hearing aid.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
Base Year |
2024 |
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
CAGR |
6% |
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 398.5 million |
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 801.9 million |
Regional Scope |
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Product (Receiver in canal (RIC), Completely-in-the-canal (CIC), Earbuds, Other products)
Based on the product, the receiver in canal (RIC) segment is projected to dominate over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids market share of over 34.2% by 2037, owing to its capacity to offer a higher comfort level, discreet design, and developed performance attributes. In addition, the RIC model offers a balance of high-quality sound processing with user-friendly design, making it appealing to a wide cross-section of consumers. For instance, in October 2023, Phonak introduced the RIC line, ActiveVent receiver through its new platform, Lumity to widen its existing portfolio. Furthermore, Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries are also widely utilized in RIC hearing aids, convincing mature and price-sensitive customers, and further energizing the demand in the OTC market.
Type (Preset, Self-fitting)
The preset hearing aids segment will witness a lucrative opportunity of dominating the over-the-counter hearing aids market, throughout 2037. This growth is attributable to the ease of use and its affordability. In addition, preset hearing aids are equipped with preprogrammed settings given for typical profiles of hearing loss, making them very appropriate for people who suffer from relatively mild hearing impairments. For instance, in November 2024, Rexton announced the Rexton Reach inoX-CIC Li, a rechargeable completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid. With its instant-fit design, fits into the ear canal, proving fitting for use by people afflicted with mild to moderate hearing loss who require discretion and rechargeability.
Our in-depth analysis of the global OTC hearing aids market includes the following segments:
Products |
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Type |
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Distribution Channel |
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North America Market Statistics
North America over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids market is set to account for revenue share of more than 42.8% by the end of 2037. The growing awareness about hearing loss has increased with better technology. Moreover, the consumer's inclination toward alternatives to prescription hearing aids, which are relatively expensive and require professionals to be fitted is fueling the market growth. However, FDA approval of OTC hearing aids has also increased the market growth by opening up more avenues for making these products consumable to the greater public.
In the U.S., the regulatory landscape is changing the dynamism in the OTC hearing aid market. The FDA in October 2022 established OTC hearing aid regulation which has stimulated market growth. Under the legislation, adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can buy hearing aids over the counter or from the store without necessarily going to an audiologist or getting a prescription. This has made hearing aids more accessible to and affordable for a greater section of the population than before, especially those who would have otherwise avoided or could not afford the traditional ones.
The increasing aging population in Canada with an ever-rising prevalence of age-related hearing loss is one major reason the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids market is growing. The key players are focusing on expanding their operations in hearing aid solutions through collaborations and leveraging expertise. For instance, in December 2023, Amplifon has grown over 130 stores across Canada and remains on an expansion course. In addition, it has acquired Living Sounds Hearing Centre, Alberta which operates 20 clinics throughout the province.
Asia Pacific Market Analysis
Asia Pacific is rapidly expanding in the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids market owing to the growing concerns over hearing loss clubbed with the growing capacity of people affording hearing aid solutions. In addition, increased awareness of the need to treat hearing loss, with noise pollution in societies. Therefore, as familiarity grows and regulatory frameworks are updated, OTC hearing aids will be a very practical solution for filling in the gap in accessibility with the growing demand for hearing solutions.
China OTC hearing aids market is stimulated by the advancements in hearing aid technologies. For instance, in October 2024, Sonova planned to expand its AI-powered hearing aids in China to cater to the needs of the population suffering from hearing impairment to render efficient solutions. Thus, OTC hearing aids are not only cheap but also accessible to self-diagnose thus addressing major unmet needs. The trend is further backed by rising digital literacy and increasing e-commerce penetration, making it easier for customers to buy OTC hearing aids online.
In India, the major growth driver of the over-the-counter hearing aids market is the demand for cost-effective healthcare solutions. Thus, market players are focusing on relentless innovations and advancements in hearing aids. For instance, in February 2024, Starkey announced the launch of its innovative Genesis AI hearing aids in India. This is a cutting-edge hearing solution designed to address the increasing prevalence of hearing loss in India. This is further fueled by the escalating rate of age-related hearing loss, which demands these more inexpensive, self-adjustable hearing aids.
The competitive environment in the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids market is witnessing a remarkable transformation. This change is largely driven by the focus of manufacturers, and tech-driven companies to consumer-centric hearing aid solutions. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of e-commerce platforms by companies to expand their reach is fueling market growth. For instance, in November 2022, GN expanded its Jabra Enhance hearing offering with Lively. It rebranded to Jabra Enhance and launched JabraEnhance.com as an online destination for better hearing, enabling consumers to discover, buy, and receive hearing care from home.
Here’s the list of some key players:
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
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