The global ENT devices market size was valued at USD 23.13 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 33.49 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period (2023–2031). A rise in the prevalence of hearing loss/impairment worldwide leads to growth in sales of hearing devices.
ENT devices are medical instruments and equipment utilized to identify, treat, and manage ear, nose, and throat disorders. These devices are designed to assist healthcare professionals, such as ENT specialists or otolaryngologists, in examining, diagnosing, and treating various disorders and conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat regions. Some examples of ENT devices include otoscopes, which are used to examine the ear canal and eardrum; laryngoscopes, used to visualize the larynx and vocal cords; rhinoscopes, used to examine the nasal passages and sinuses; and tonsillectomy instruments, used for surgical removal of the tonsils.
ENT devices range from simple handheld instruments to complex surgical equipment and imaging systems. They play a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical interventions for conditions such as hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, vocal cord disorders, and more. It is important to note that specific ENT devices can vary depending on the manufacturer, intended use, and the specific medical procedure or condition they are designed to address. Medical professionals and healthcare facilities rely on various ENT devices to provide comprehensive care for patients with ear, nose, and throat disorders.
Hearing loss/impairment has become one of the most common conditions in patients, especially in industrialized countries. According to the WHO, there are over 460 million people worldwide, i.e., around 5% of the world’s population, living with disabling hearing loss, which is expected to increase to over 900 million or 1 in every ten people by 2050. Two main reasons are growing life expectancy and increasing noise pollution, which means more cases of age-related hearing loss. Infections such as measles, middle ear infection, or meningitis are common causes of hearing loss in low-income countries.
Moreover, chronic inflammation, noise exposure, vascular disorders, physiological aging of the ear, and genetic susceptibility may cause hearing impairment. These factors may lead to a rise in the prevalence of hearing loss/impairment worldwide, leading to growth in sales of hearing devices.
Less invasive ones gradually replace traditional surgical techniques in the most advanced countries, such as the U.S., U.K., and Japan. Traditional surgery requires an incision to access internal body parts, requiring precision, concentration, and expertise. However, minimally invasive ENT procedures have several advantages, such as lower blood loss, need for less anesthesia, reduced risk of infection, smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery, often with better outcomes.
Head and neck disorders are well-suited for minimally invasive ENT procedures. Many minimally invasive procedures can be performed through natural openings in the ear, nose, and throat, which offer an entrance for advanced, slim ENT instruments used in these procedures. For instance, Balloon Sinuplasty is a better alternative to regular sinus surgery. Unlike conventional sinus surgery, it involves no cutting and no removal of bone and tissue. Some minimally invasive ENT surgery procedures include Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, and endoscopic skull base surgery.
The high cost of hearing devices is a significant restraint in the global ENT devices market. The cost of hearing devices, such as hearing aids, can be substantial, ranging from USD 1,500 to USD 3,500 per unit. This pricing can vary based on technology, features, and brand. One major issue is that most health insurance plans do not provide coverage for hearing aids. This means that individuals who require these devices have to bear the full cost themselves, resulting in a financial burden. In developed countries, where healthcare coverage may be more accessible, the high cost of hearing devices can still be a barrier for many individuals.
The financial burden associated with the high cost of hearing devices can deter some people from seeking necessary treatment for their hearing loss. It can also limit the market to those who have the means to afford these devices, potentially excluding individuals with lower incomes or limited financial resources.
The global ENT devices market offers significant opportunities driven by the increasing demand for advanced ENT devices and systems. Technological developments have been essential in transforming the field of ENT devices, leading to the development of more sophisticated and advanced equipment. These devices offer improved diagnostic capabilities, enhanced treatment options, and greater patient comfort. One area of technological advancement is imaging technologies. High-definition cameras integrated into endoscopes enable precise visualization of the ear, nose, and throat regions, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D and virtual reality, provide detailed and comprehensive views, allowing healthcare professionals to identify and address ENT conditions more precisely.
Additionally, advancements in surgical techniques and equipment have expanded the possibilities for minimally invasive procedures in the field of ENT. Innovative surgical instruments, such as laser-based devices, robotics, and radiofrequency ablation systems, offer precise and efficient treatment options for conditions ranging from sinusitis to vocal cord disorders. These advanced systems minimize patient discomfort, reduce recovery time, and improve treatment outcomes.
| Study Period | 2019-2031 | CAGR | 4.2% |
| Historical Period | 2019-2021 | Forecast Period | 2023-2031 |
| Base Year | 2022 | Base Year Market Size | USD 23.13 Billion |
| Forecast Year | 2031 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 33.49 Billion |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
Based on region, the global ENT devices market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
North America is the most significant global ENT devices market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period. North America dominated the ENT devices market in 2019 and is expected to maintain its market position during the forecast period. This area is growing because more and more people are getting older, and more and more people are getting hearing problems. Furthermore, the approval and launch of advanced, next-generation hearing devices in the U.S. and Canada and the high adoption of hearing aids will likely boost the market growth.
Additionally, some of the companies operating in the North American region are Ambu A/S; Demant A/S; Soovo Holdings; Karl Storz; Richard Wolf GMBH; WD Audiology; Sivantos, Inc; Olympus Corporation; Starkey Laboratories Inc., Inc.; Cochlear Limited; and Welch Allyn. Adoption of next-generation ENT devices in hospitals and the rise in interest in less invasive procedures are factors boosting the growth of the ENT market in the U.S. Furthermore, an increase in the prevalence of sinusitis and technological advances are expected to boost the market growth over the coming years in the U.S.
Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period. The European ENT devices market is likely to witness high growth due to the local presence of major market players, technological developments in ENT devices, and growing business activities such as new product launches, mergers, and acquisitions. For instance, in March 2019, Olympus Corporation announced the launch of PowerSpiral, an endoscope with a motorized rotation system in Europe and parts of Asia. In March 2019, Sivantos Pte. Ltd. and Widex A/S announced the successful completion of their business collaboration to form WS Audiology, a new company. The merger between the two leading hearing aid companies forming WS Audiology Group has created a strong player. The Group aims to accelerate growth using the unique portfolio of differentiated product brands to strengthen its market penetration and enhance efficiencies to enable additional investments into R&D and the supply chain. Hence, such business activities are expected to boost market growth.
Furthermore, the growing geriatric population, increasing prevalence of ENT-related diseases, and technological advancements are expected to boost market growth over the forecast period. A hear-it report shows that around 34 million adults have disabling hearing loss in Europe. Two out of three people are not treated for their disorder. Furthermore, around 48 million adults in Europe live with disabling hearing loss.
In Asia-Pacific, China and Japan majorly drive the Asia Pacific region. Japan dominated the overall ENT devices market in the Asia-Pacific region. This can be attributed to the large senior population. India is predicted to expand quickly in the Asia Pacific region during the anticipated period. Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and South Korea are some emerging countries in the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. Technological advancements, such as wireless, real-time monitoring, increase in healthcare spending in the Asia-Pacific region, and support from regulatory bodies are anticipated to promote the growth of the ENT devices market. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information study, the prevalence of Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) was 8.0% and ranged from 4.8% to 9.7% in seven cities. Chronic sinusitis affected approximately 107 million people in mainland China.
In Latin America, Supportive government regulations to commercialize medical devices in the country are expected to propel market growth. For instance, most Latin American countries only require U.S. FDA or CE-mark approval for filing marketing approvals. Increasing investment by key market players in this region, a large target population, and well-equipped hospitals in the country are expected to drive the market in Brazil. However, hospitals' low affordability of advanced technologies and low awareness among patients about early diagnosis of ENT-related diseases may hinder the market growth in Latin America. For instance, the cessation of some non-Sonova product distribution in Brazil offset Sonovo's business in audiological care and cochlear implants.
The Middle East and Africa region's ENT devices market is expected to grow due to a growing preference for minimally invasive surgeries, increasing hearing loss cases, and business activities such as regional expansion. For instance, in 2017, Olympus Corporation, a high-end optics and precision electronics supplier and manufacturer, launched its regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa in Dubai, UAE. However, a lack of skilled technicians may hamper the market growth.
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The global ENT devices market is bifurcated into products.
Based on products, the global market is bifurcated into diagnostic ENT devices, surgical ENT devices, hearing aids, hearing implants, and nasal splints.
The diagnostic ENT devices segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period. Endoscopy is one of the most frequently used procedures for diagnosing and treating diseases related to the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT). With the help of endoscopic devices, otorhinolaryngologists can view a magnified image of the affected region. The benefits of endoscopy are speedy recovery, shorter diagnosis time, and low cost. Some of the key players in the market are Hill-Rom.; Karl Storz GmbH and Co KG; MAICO Diagnostics GmbH; BioMed Jena GmbH; PATH medical GmbH; Fujifilm Corporation; Ambu A/S Smith; Nephew PLC.; iHEARmedical, Inc.; Veran Medical Technologies; and Hedera Biomedics S.r.l.
New product launches and mergers and acquisitions are prominent growth strategies these players adopt. For instance, in July 2017, PENTAX Medical—a HOYA Group division—and Shanghai Aohua Photoelectricity Endoscope Co., Ltd. announced a joint venture to create products in the field of flexible medical endoscopy. In February 2018, Stryker Corporation, a prominent player in the ENT diagnostic devices industry, announced the completion of the acquisition of Entellus Medical—a leading medical technology provider.
