Cerumen Removal Market

Market Overview

The global cerumen removal market size was valued at USD 2.17 billion in 2021, and it is anticipated to reach USD 3.81 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.28%. Cerumen is a waxy substance that develops from natural processes and is created by glands in the external auditory canal that make wax. However, when it becomes impacted, it can produce difficulties like hearing loss, discomfort, tinnitus, and other similar symptoms—because of this, removing the cerumen is of the utmost importance to avoid the difficulties connected with cerumen impaction.

Market Dynamics

Global Cerumen Removal Market Drivers

• Rising incidences of cerumen impaction globally are driving the market growth

The increasing frequency of cerumen impaction in countries throughout the world is a major reason for the growth of the cerumen removal market. It affects roughly 10 per cent of children, 5 per cent of adults, and approximately 60 per cent of persons who are 60 years old or older. Cerumen impaction is responsible for 12 million clinic visits each year in the United States, and 8 million cerumen removal treatments are performed each year, according to a National Library of Medicine report released in 2021.

Additionally, cerumen impaction is seen rather commonly in those who use hearing aids. Hearing aids are worn by around 35 per cent of people who have hearing loss, according to the EuroTrak Surveys, which indicates that the use of hearing aids contributes to an increased risk of cerumen impaction in a variety of European countries. According to the World Report on Hearing 2021, around 1.12 billion persons in the European region suffer from ear wax impaction.

• An increasing rate of infections and the availability of various tools

Many people are becoming aware of the benefits of cerumen removal due to rising infection rates and the prevalence of issues such as ear itching and discomfort. The market expansion is being positively impacted by the widespread use of practical techniques for ceramide removal and the availability of a wide range of cerumen removal equipment and drops. Additionally, manufacturers in the market are coming out with revolutionary products that remove cerumen efficiently and cost-effectively. For example, Safkan Health developed the Otoset, a device that removes cerumen from the ear. This gadget, which looks like headphones, dissolves cerumen by irrigating the ear canal with a solution while simultaneously delivering the solution through disposable ear tips.

Global Cerumen Removal Market Opportunities

• COVID-19 created awareness about personal hygiene, which created growth opportunities for the market

The COVID-19 epidemic was responsible for causing a disturbance in the healthcare business. A decrease in sales of medical devices was the direct outcome of an interruption in operations and the supply chain. In addition, during the pandemic, procedures that were not necessary were delayed, which had a detrimental effect on the market. For example, a study titled "The Impact of COVID-19 on Otolaryngology Community Practice in Massachusetts" published in the SAGE journal found that the number of cerumen removal treatments dropped by 85 per cent in 2020. The pandemic has, however, increased people's concerns about maintaining proper hygiene, which will likely result in an opportunity for the industry to expand throughout the period under consideration.

Global Cerumen Removal Market Restraints

• Ear damage by repetitive uses of cerumen removal

It is projected that the potential risks of hearing loss difficulties caused by the repetitive usage of treatments that remove cerumen would slow the expansion of the market.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global cerumen removal market share is broken down into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The largest market share, accounting for 42.3% of the total, was held by Asia-Pacific as a result of the rising number of patients with cerumen impaction. It is projected that the prevalence of cerumen impaction will increase along with the growing number of older adults. According to the projections made by the Statistics Bureau of Japan for 2020, Japan's total population is expected to include 36.19 million persons who are 65 or older. Additionally, the growing awareness of cerumen impaction in conjunction with the rising costs associated with healthcare is driving the expansion of the market. In addition, the presence of local players in the area is one of the most critical aspects pushing the industry. It is projected that the steps done by the Indian Public Health Standards to manage ear disorders will contribute to the expansion of the market.

Related to the rising prevalence of conductive hearing loss and other hearing impairments due to ear wax impaction, the Middle East and Africa have the highest expansion rate. Increasing numbers of people are realizing the dangers of cerumen impaction. Hence more equipment and drops are being utilized to treat it. In addition, the fact that industry players in the region are placing increased emphasis on the creation of novel goods further propelling the market's expansion. For example, BonShine sells electric ear wax removal kits in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These kits include an automatic vacuum for effective and simple suctioning of the ear wax.

Segmental Analysis

The global cerumen removal market share is divided into four parts based on product type, consumer group, distribution channel and region. Further, the market is divided into Cerumen Removal Drops, Cerumen Removal Loops, Cerumen Removal Syringes, Portable Ear Cleaning Devices, Micro-suction devices, and Irrigation Kits based on product type. During the forecast period, the micro-suction segment will rule the market. The most popular method for removing cerumen is micro-suction, which can quickly remove away wax in cases of immediate clinical need. The benefit of over-ear syringing has increased the popularity of micro-suction devices in ENT clinics.

Based on the consumer group, the market is divided into Geriatric (Aged 65 and above), Adults (Aged 18 – 64), Children (Aged 11 – 17) and Paediatric (Aged 0 – 10). Due to the growing number of older people, the geriatric segment is expanding profitably. According to information released by the UN in 2020, by the year 2050, there will likely be more than 1.5 billion older adults worldwide. Older persons frequently experience hearing loss and therefore make up most hearing aid users, increasing the risk of cerumen impaction. It is projected to have a favourable effect on the market expansion.

According to the distribution channel, the market is segmented into Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, E-commerce, Drug Stores and Retail Pharmacies. Due to the prevalence of several independent and chain pharmacies globally in 2021, the retail pharmacies segment maintained a significant market share of 39.5 per cent. Additionally, several cerumen removal items, including ear drops, irrigation kits, loops, and cerumen removal equipment, are sold by retail pharmacy chains, including Boots, Walgreens, CVS Health, Lloyd, etc. Additionally, the digitalization of retail pharmacies is boosting the market's expansion.

The market is broken down into Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa based on the region. The Asia-Pacific region dominated the market.

Recent Developments

• In July 2022, Walgreens, Walmart, Albertsons, and Kroger have been added to the list of national stores carrying Eosera's products, which are known for having the most comprehensive and coherent range of at-home ear care treatments.