Global Bionic Ear Market: By Device Type (Cochlear Implant, Auditory Brainstem Implants, Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid), By End User (Research Institutes, Hearing Clinics, Hospitals), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World)—Forecast to 2032

Global Bionic Ear Market Overview

Bionic Ear Market Size was valued at USD 2.41 Billion in 2023. The Global Bionic Ear industry is projected to grow from USD 2.61 Billion in 2024 to USD 5.00 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.99% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

A bionic ear is an electronic device termed as a neural prosthesis which is designed for the people suffering from hearing disability. Itcan stimulate the hearing nerve and provide sound signals directly to the brain. The bionic ear constitutes a receiver-stimulator and an external sound processor; both are fit behind the ear. Additionally, the sound processor captures the external sound and then converts it to a digital code. This digital code gets transmitted to the receiver-stimulator fitted behind the ear. 

Furthermore, the receiver develops the electrical signals with the help of the received digital code and sends them to the electrode array, which is present in the cochlea. These devices can be used by both,the ones suffering from profound loss or total loss.The rising prevalence of hearing disorders is likely to lift the demand for the product. The increasing aging population will also create a larger patient pool of people living with hearing loss. For instance, it is estimated that as of March 2019, around 466 million people globally are having disabling hearing loss.The number is expected to reach 900 million by 2050.

COVID-19 Analysis of Bionic Ear Market 

COVID-19 negatively impacted the bionic ear market. The pandemic resulted in severallockdown measures and added to the challenges ofpatients with hearing disabilities.Many hospitals were restricted to non-elective procedures and surgeries and reallocated hospital resources like nursing staff and ICU beds to care for patients with the coronavirus. Furthermore, there are limitations associated with treatments anda decline in the production of implantable bionics, which further restricted the growth of the bionic ear market. 

Bionic Ear Market Dynamics

Drivers:

• Growing prevalence of hearing disorders

The rising prevalence of hearing disorders and the increasing geriatric population are likely to create a larger patient pool with hearing loss. For instance, according to the WHO,more than 360 million people in the world have hearing loss disabilities. Hearing loss is one of the leading disorders globally. According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, the disorder increases with age, affecting 70% of people over 70 and 42% of people over 50. Moreover,the prolonged exposure to noise in recreational settings, increasing healthcare spending and the prelaunch of bionic ear devices are some other factors driving the bionic ear market size.

• Growing demand for minimally invasive surgical techniques to boost the market

The demand for minimally invasive surgical techniques is increasing significantly andcannotablly augment the global bionic ear market. There has been significant growth in the adoption of such equipment due to technological advancements and the establishment of favorable insurance schemes

• Increasing R&D spending to develop next-generation sound processors


• Rising parental awareness and the availability of infrastructure for diagnosing hearing disorders in newborn children

Restraints:

• Regulatory requirement

The stringent approval procedure associated with the bionic ear implants is projected to significantly hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

• High medical & device cost

Opportunities:

• Increase in R&D activities on bionic ear

There have been increased R&D activities on bionic ears worldwide.Bionics institutes are aiming at improving the performance of bionic ears and the function of hearing nerves.

Bionic Ear Market Segmentation

By Device Type

Based on device type, the bionic ears market is segmented into cochlear implant, auditory brainstem implants, and bone-anchored hearing aid. The cochlear implant segment held a significant share of the market in 2020.Cochlear implantsare found to be effective than traditional devices. These devices enhance the sound quality and thus improve a person's ability to better understand a speech.It also helps regain the clear sound in a noisy environment and is even considered safe for children.

• Cochlear Implant: These are the only medical interventions that can restore partial hearing to a deafened person via electric stimulation of the residual auditory nerve. It can be a suitable option for people who have severe hearing loss from innerear damage and the use of hearing aids no longer helps.


• Auditory brainstem implants: It is a surgically implanted electronic device that gives some onea sense of soundwho is profoundly deaf owing to retrocochlear hearing impairment. An auditory brainstem implant is made up oftwo parts: an external element (the 'processor,'which is worn on the ear) and theinternal part that is surgically implanted. In addition,The sound around the processor is picked up by a microphone on the processor, which converts it from a sound wave to an electrical signal. The sound signal is subsequently sent to the hearing implant's internal portion by the processor. This consists of a receiver located just beneath the epidermis and an implant array located within the brainstem.


• Bone-anchored hearing aid:It is a hearing aid that works on the principle of bone conduction. It is designed for people with conductive hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss, single-sided deafness, and mixed hearing losses who cannot wear 'in the ear' or 'behind the ear' hearing aids otherwise.

By End User

Based on end user, the bionic ear market is segmented into research institutes, hearing clinics, ad hospitals.Growing healthcare expenditure and increasing demand for bionic ears are anticipated to contribute to the market's growth. On February 20, 2019, the WHO released a new report on global health expenditure, according to which global spending on health increased in low- and middle-income countries by 6 percent and in high-income countries by 4 percent.

• Research Institutes: Research institutes are defined as organizations that conduct several studies on several subjects. The studies on bionic ear have increased in the past few years. The rise in funding for research projects is contributing to the growth of research institutes. Rising funding for research projects has also led to the rise in research institutes, thereby boosting the growth of the segment.


• Hearing Clinics: Hearing clinics are expected to grow significantly owing to the specialized treatment and advancement of the facilities.


• Hospitals:The hospital segment dominated the market and held the largest bionic ear market share in 2020. Hospitals provide better treatment and have skilled medical staff, which attracts more patients.

Bionic Ear Market Regional Analysis

North America

Increase in public awareness & technological advancements is driving the North America bionic ear market

North America dominated the bionic ear market in 2020 and is expected to continue its stronghold for a few more years. This is due to the increased public awareness among people and improved diagnostic facilities, and technological advancements in bionic ears.

Rising patient adoption and recognition of the product's benefits drive the growth of the bionic ear market in the US. Moreover, the presence of leading service providers such as Cochlear, Unitron, Intelligent Hearing System, and Advanced Bionics in the region will stimulate industry growth in the years to come.

Europe

Advancements in healthcare infrastructure are fueling the Europe bionic ear market

Europe is expected to be the second-largest bionic ear market due to investments in healthcare, technological advancements, favorable government policies, and increased income of individuals.

Asia-Pacific

Advancement in healthcare infrastructure and large population is fueling the Asia-Pacific bionic ear market

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing over the assessment period due to rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure and a large population.

Bionic Ear Market Competitive Landscape

Companies are concentrating their efforts on bionic ear R&D. For instance, Doppler Labs, a start-up, has developed a bionic ear that allows users to control and personalize their hearing experience. Moreover, the companies are concentrating their efforts on the development of waterproof devices and improving their quality. In addition, few companies are working on wirelessly rechargeable bionic ears. 3D printing technology is playing a major role in the development of bionic ears.

List of Key Companies Covered in Bionic ear market Report:

• Advanced Bionics (US)


• Sonova (Switzerland)


• Cochlear (Australia)


• MED-EL (Austria)


• WS Audiology (Singapore)


• Oticon (Denmark)


• Hangzhou Nurotron (China)


• Listent Medical (China)


• Medtronic PLC (Ireland)


• Edward Lifesciences Corporation (US)


• Ekso Bionics (US)


• Ossur (Iceland)


• LifeNet Health (US)


• William Demant Holdings (Denmark)


• Terumo Corporation (Japan)

Recent Developments

• In May 2021, Sonova acquired the Consumer Division from Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG (Sennheiser)


• In February 2021, Phonak launched Roger Focus II.This tiny ear-level receiver is a potential option for children with Unilateral Hearing Loss, Auditory Processing Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.


• In March 2019, Sivantos Inc. (US) and Widex A/S (Denmark) merged to become WS Audiology. The merger will create excellent products and further accelerate innovation with creative, high-tech, and easy-to-use products and services, broadening the choice for hearing aid users.

Report Overview

The study covers the existing short-term and long-term market effects. It also helps decision-makers to draught short-term and long-term plans for businesses by region. The report covers major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The report analyzes market drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, Porter's Five Forces, value chain, and the impact of COVID on the market.

Scope of the Report & Segmentation

By Device Type

• Cochlear Implant


• Auditory Brainstem Implants


• Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid

By End User

• Research Institutes


• Hearing Clinics


• Hospitals