Loss of hearing is becoming a global cause of concern, with not only the geriatric population but also children suffering from hearing disabilities.

Early intervention of hearing implants in children is becoming a trend, according to a new research on the hearing implant market published by leading research firm Future Market Insights. Expenditure on hearing impairment is a major liability on the global healthcare sector, and manufacturers of hearing implants are pushed to innovate hearing solutions that can provide accessible hearing care to the global population.

Of the various products available in the global hearing implant market, cochlear implants are the most preferred, especially in the case of people with severe loss of hearing where hearing aids do not offer many benefits.

Cochlear implants are recommended for patients whose inner ear sensory cells are severely damaged. These implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve and provide a sensation of sound, enabling patients with severe hearing loss to perceive sounds. Cochlear implants for enhanced hearing are finding wide acceptance among the global medical fraternity.

A promise of better hearing is boosting the adoption of hearing implants, enhancing revenues in the global market. According to Future Market Insights’ analysis, the global hearing implant market is projected to be valued at about $2bn by the end of 2028, up from an estimated $996.2m in 2018. This is indicative of a decadal growth rate of 7.5%.

Global unmet need of hearing implants and technological advancements in hearing solutions key opportunity area for manufacturers

The global market for hearing implants provides immense opportunities for companies, with the market faced with the need to manufacture affordable and functional hearing implants along with the provision of adequate follow-up services with audiologists.

With the current production rate of hearing implants falling short of the global demand, especially when factoring in patients requiring bilateral implants, there is huge growth potential for both existing hearing implant manufacturers, as well as new players. In addition, considering that there are very few companies manufacturing hearing implants globally, there exists a lucrative revenue opportunity in the global hearing implant market.

Technological advancements in hearing care solutions are boosting global market demand for hearing implants. For instance, laser light technology is being incorporated in a new type of cochlear implants. Regular doctor follow-ups are mandatory post the initial programming of the hearing implant, and to simplify this process, a new remote feature is being developed, which enables patients to have regular follow-up programming sessions with their audiologists as and when required. One of the key players in the global hearing implant market has launched a Bluetooth wireless connectivity enabled device for patients opting for cochlear implants. By connecting to audio processors, this device helps patients acquire better hearing experiences.

High-cost factor and health risks arising from surgical procedures restraining revenues in the global hearing implant market

Hearing implants may come at increased prices, based on the functional complexity and extent of technology used. Being a surgical intervention, hearing implants result in additional costs such as surgery fees, medication and hospitalisation costs.

On the other hand, hearing aids are relatively cheaper and hence more affordable to all classes of people. High-powered hearing aids are fast becoming popular due to their ease-of-use and direct manageability by patients. In addition, risks and complications arising from hearing implant surgeries are making patients opt for hearing aids. This is expected to restrict revenue growth of the hearing implant market.

The global market for hearing implants is dominated by one company that holds around 55% of the total market revenue. This company manufactures a variety of products, including bone conduction implants, middle ear implants, and auditory brainstem implants. This player has recently received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for remote programming in cochlear implants and is working on approvals and new technologies in hearing implants.

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