Medical Audiometer Devices Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The medical audiometer devices market was valued at approximately US$ 129.58 million in 2021 and is projected to grow to US$ 175.73 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during the period from 2021 to 2028.

This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing incidence of hearing disorders and the expanding elderly population. However, the market may face challenges due to a shortage of trained professionals capable of operating audiometers effectively.

Medical audiometers are essential devices utilized for evaluating hearing levels and diagnosing the extent of hearing loss. These devices typically consist of embedded hardware and a feedback button for the test subject, which connects to a pair of headphones. A standard personal computer is used to manage the system. Audiometry is the process employed to assess an individual's hearing ability. Various audiometry techniques include immittance audiometry, pure tone audiometry, evoked response audiometry, and speech audiometry. Recent technological advancements have led to the emergence of hybrid and PC-based audiometers, enhancing communication and improving the quality of life for users.

The global prevalence of hearing disorders is on the rise. Such disorders can result in hearing impairments exceeding 40 decibels (dB) in adults and more than 30 dB in children. Hearing loss can be congenital or hereditary, or it may arise from infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, exposure to loud noises, or aging. Childhood infections like measles, mumps, and meningitis, along with prolonged exposure to loud sounds and chronic otitis media, are significant contributors to hearing impairment. Hearing loss has emerged as one of the most prevalent health issues, particularly in developed nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 5% of the global population experiences significant hearing impairment, with projections indicating that over 900 million individuals will be affected by 2050. Additionally, the Hearing Industries Association reported that over 4.22 million hearing aids were distributed in the United States in 2019, marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), approximately 48 million Americans experience some level of hearing loss. The report also highlights that between 2-3 out of every 1,000 children in the U.S. are born with detectable hearing loss in one or both ears. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that around 16% of adults in the U.S. report difficulties with hearing, with 1 in 5 men and 1 in 8 women experiencing some form of hearing trouble. The prevalence of hearing loss is notably higher than that of diabetes or cancer, with approximately 11% of Americans reporting tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.

Consequently, the rising incidence of hearing disorders and hearing loss is driving the demand for medical audiometers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges globally, straining healthcare systems and necessitating the prioritization of limited resources to reduce hospital admissions. In response, market participants have embraced innovative tele-audiology solutions to assist patients with hearing loss. For example, Satellite Tele-Audiology Solutions, a division of Inventis, has introduced a pioneering technology that enables audiologists to conduct comprehensive hearing assessments remotely in real-time. Such advancements by leading companies have mitigated the pandemic's impact on the medical audiometer devices market.

In terms of product type, the medical audiometer devices market is categorized into hybrid audiometers, standalone audiometers, and PC-based audiometers. The PC-based audiometer segment is expected to capture the largest market share in 2021, while the hybrid audiometers segment is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

From an end-user perspective, the market is divided into hospitals and clinics, research centers, and diagnostic centers. The hospitals and clinics segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share in 2021 and is also expected to register the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period.

Key organizations and sources referenced in the preparation of this report include the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the Hearing Loss Association of America, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, the National Health Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from various countries.