Otoscope Market (By Type: Pocket Otoscope, Full-sized Otoscope, Video Otoscope; By Portability: Wall-Mounted, Portable; By Modality; By End-user) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2022-2030.

The global otoscope market size was estimated at around USD 169.3 million in 2021 and it is projected to hit around USD 241.06 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2022 to 2030.

Report Highlights  

• In 2021, the pocket otoscope segment captured the largest share of over 65.05%. 
• The video otoscopes segment is expected to grow at the highest rate of 4.86% from 2022 to 2030. 
• In 2021, the wired digital segment held the largest share of over 60.04%. 
• In 2021, the portable otoscope segment dominated the market with a share of over 70.2%. 
• The portable otoscope is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate of 4.32% during the forecast period.
• In 2021, the hospital segment dominated the market with a share of over 50.11%. 
• North America dominated the market in 2021 with a share of over 30.32%. 
• The Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a lucrative growth rate of 4.98% during the forecast period. 

The rising prevalence of ENT-related disorders and increasing penetration of minimally invasive ENT procedures are among the key trends stimulating industry growth. According to the WHO, 5% of the global population suffers from hearing loss, which is nearly 432 million adults and 34 million children. Due to the growing awareness regarding the diagnosis of chronic otitis media, the demand for otoscopy is increasing.

A moderate impact has been observed during the COVID-19 outbreak on industry growth. In the worst-hit months of 2020, mass closure of ENT clinics and termination of elective surgical procedures in hospitals drove down sales of otoscopes. However, resumption of surgical procedures and gradual increase to reach the pre-pandemic surgical volume are expected to increase product demand and reduce revenue losses medical care providers and manufacturers suffer.

Moreover, introducing new products and incorporating new technologies by the industry players are expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in April 2021, Hill-Rom launched the new Welch Allyn PanOptic Plus Ophthalmoscope and MacroView Plus Otoscope to provide caregivers with better, brighter views in earlier diagnosis and treatment. 

Scope of The Report

Market Synopsis

Otoscopes are utilized by audiologists, and ENT specialists that assists them in making a physical diagnosis of ear-related ailments such as infection, ear pain, irritation, ear discharge, and redness. Otoscopes vary in size, sophistication, and cost . It comprises components such as illumination system, lens system, handle, power source, and other components. There are various types of otoscopes available in the market, including fixed otoscopes, portable otoscopes, and digital connections equipped otoscopes. Some of the commercially available otoscopes include MacroView Otoscope, video otoscope MedRx, HORUS+ HD, iO1 OTO Pro, EN-OUT, and Delfino among others.

Market Influencer

Hearing loss or impairment has become one of the most common conditions in patients, especially in developed nations. According to the WHO , over 430 million people worldwide, that is around 5% of the world’s population are living with hearing loss and is expected to increase among 700 million or 1 in 10 people by 2050. The prevalence of deafness increases with age and 25% of people aged 60 years and above are affected by hearing loss disability. Moreover, infections such as otitis media, measles, or meningitis are also common causes of deafness in low-income countries. Therefore, the increased burden of ENT disease is expected to boost the otoscope market during the forecast period and provide lucrative growth opportunities to market players in the coming years.

Furthermore, an increase in the number of approvals and new product launches are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Advancements in technology like LED, Video, or portable otoscopes significantly propel the growth of the otoscopes market. For instance,

• Delfino by Inventis  is a wireless video otoscope that can capture and store quality images of the ear canal on a traditional display or on a computer screen
• Similarly, SyncVision Technology Corporation's iO1 OTO is a digital portable otoscope with a built-in LCD screen. A clear image of the ear canal can be instantly viewed by the specialist on the LCD screen
• In April 2021 , Hill-Rom launched the new Welch Allyn® PanOptic^TM Plus Ophthalmoscope and MacroView® Plus Otoscope to provide caregivers better, and brighter views in earlier diagnosis and treatment
• In July 2020, MedRx Inc., an audiometric equipment company, introduced a new USB video otoscope that integrates into software to provide high-quality images

These technological advancements are expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

However, the high cost and lack of advanced otoscope awareness in developing countries are expected to slow the market growth during the forecast period. In addition, fierce competition, coupled with price pressure, and product cloning in the Chinese and Indian markets is a potential constraint that impedes overall growth in the market.

Type Insights

In 2021, the pocket otoscope segment captured the largest share of over 65.05%. The advantages offered by a pocket otoscope over a full-sized otoscope could be the driving force behind the growth of the segment. A pocket-sized otoscope is small-sized, which makes it easier to handle. Compared to typical otoscopes, these are less bulky and lighter in weight. Few otoscopes are fitted with a camera or an interface for visualizing images on a computer, making the otoscopy procedure more efficient by providing high-quality images. In developing countries with limited access to advanced medical imaging in rural areas, this otoscope plays an important role in diagnosis. Additionally, wireless/smart otoscopes are not available in all small medical facilities and hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa. These factors are anticipated to boost the demand for pocket otoscopes over the forecast period.

The video otoscopes segment is expected to grow at the highest rate of 4.86% from 2022 to 2030. High patient volume suffering from diseases related to ENT and incorporation of smart technologies such as AI into otoscopes will upsurge the espousal of video otoscopes over the forecast period. For instance, in July 2020, MedRx Inc., an audiometric equipment company, launched a new USB video otoscope, which integrates into software to provide high-quality images. Such technological advancements are expected to boost segment growth during the forecast period. Moreover, continuous investments in R&D to innovate and develop the latest video otoscopes are anticipated to boost industry growth during the forecast period.

Modality Insights

In 2021, the wired digital segment held the largest share of over 60.04%. The introduction of new products, ongoing R&D, geographical expansion by key players, and several government initiatives focusing on the early screening of ear impairment is likely to boost the industry growth during the forecast period. For instance, the Chinese government plans to expand insurance coverage by providing demand subsidies to the rural population by introducing a New Cooperative Medical Scheme to raise care costs for improved and rapid treatment. Furthermore, subsidies, grants, and funding are offered by governments all across the world to prevent and manage hearing disorders. For instance, the New South Wales (NSW) Statewide Infant Screening-Hearing (SWISH) program in Australia aims at identifying babies born with permanent bilateral deafness in NSW. Such initiatives are expected to further boost the demand for wired digital otoscopes globally, thereby supporting segment growth.

The wireless otoscopes segment is expected to expand at the highest rate of 4.3% from 2022 to 2030 on account of factors such as a widening base of immobile patients as well as the geriatric population. The advancement of Bluetooth technology has paved the way for the development of wireless otoscopes. This allows healthcare providers to see patients’ ear canal images without having to make direct contact with them. Wireless otoscopes aid specialists in the contactless examination of patients, shielding them from a variety of infectious pathogens. With the growing demand for teleconsultation services in recent years, wireless otoscopes allow healthcare providers to evaluate and exchange videos and images of the tympanic membrane and ear canal in real-time. Given these factors, the market for wireless transmission system-based otoscopes is expected to expand significantly. These factors are anticipated to drive the segment over the forecast period.

Portability Insights

In 2021, the portable otoscope segment dominated the market with a share of over 70.2%. This growth is due to the availability of several products and the presence of major industry players. Moreover, they are flexible enough to be used across all health facilities. Some of the key players in the market offering portable otoscopes are Welch Allyn, Inc.; American Diagnostic Corporation; Rudolf Riester GmbH; Heine Optotechnik; Midmark Corporation; Prestige Medical; GF Health Products, Inc.; and CellScope, Inc. Portable otoscopes use less space than wall-mounted and are smaller in size. These types of otoscopes not only provide continuous, non-invasive monitoring of health parameters but can also provide real-time updates to healthcare providers through connectivity. Thus, all these aforementioned factors are contributing to the segment growth.

The portable otoscope is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate of 4.32% during the forecast period owing to the growing adoption of these devices in home healthcare services. Home healthcare is a cost-effective option for long-term care of the disabled, chronic diseases, and surgical interventions. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rank of home health and personal care aides is expected to increase by 13.0 million in 2020 (a 70.0% increase from 2010). In addition, the increasing number of emergency and ambulatory care services is contributing to the growth of the portable otoscope segment. Moreover, the user-friendly, compact designs offer advantages including point-of-care use. Such advantages are propelling the demand for portable devices.

End-user Insights

In 2021, the hospital segment dominated the market with a share of over 50.11%. This is due to the growing number of patient admissions in hospitals for various medical illnesses and treatments for COVID-19. In terms of the sheer volume of otoscopes, hospitals are observed to be the largest consumer of related products and services. In addition, an increase in the number of chronic illnesses that lead to a high rate of hospitalization rate contributes to the high demand for otoscopes in hospitals. This is projected to strengthen segment growth in the coming years. In the worldwide healthcare system, hospitals are the primary treatment facilities, playing an important part in the delivery of care in the ENT specialty. In fact, in many emerging economies, hospitals are the only places where an ENT surgery may be performed.

The ENT clinics segment is expected to grow at the highest rate of 4.4% from 2022 to 2030. With an increase in the prevalence of ear, nose, and throat disorders in geriatric people, the demand for ENT clinics is expected to rise over the upcoming years. People prefer ENT clinics to treat a wide variety of conditions such as oropharyngeal cancer, chronic or fungal sinusitis, hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea. Furthermore, rising healthcare awareness among patients and surgical professionals is projected to foster segment growth. The rise in disposable income, increasing affordability for ENT treatment, high prevalence of hearing loss, rapidly growing elderly population, and technological advancements in hearing aid are the major factors driving this market.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market in 2021 with a share of over 30.32%. This can be attributed to the high prevalence of ENT-related disorders in the region, the growing geriatric population, the increasing prevalence of hearing loss, the presence of large hospital chains, highly equipped ambulatory facilities, and a significant target population. As per the March 2021 update by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, around 2 to 3 children out of 1,000 children in the U.S. are born with a discernible level of hearing impairment in one or even both ears, and roughly 15% of American adults that is 37.5 million individuals and aged between 18 and up report some hearing problems. In addition, the local presence of key players, supportive government regulations for portable medical devices, and high adoption of advanced technology are key factors driving the market. As a result of the high incidence of hearing loss in the region, the demand for otoscopes would rise, thereby propelling industry growth in the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a lucrative growth rate of 4.98% during the forecast period. Factors such as the increasing prevalence of hearing disorders and the introduction of advanced products by the key players are attributed to supporting industry growth. According to an article by hearing-it, in 2021, about 401 million people in the South-East Asia region suffered from some degree of hearing loss, and this number is estimated to reach to 666 million by 2050. This factor is anticipated to significantly increase the demand for otoscopes in the Asia Pacific. Moreover, increasing government spending, investment by key players operating in the industry, and awareness programs by various organizations are expected to facilitate growth over the forecast period.

Key players

• 3M
• Welch Allyn, Inc.
• American Diagnostic Corporation
• Orlvision GmbH
• SyncVision Technology Corporation
• Rudolf Riester GmbH
• Heine Optotechnik
• Mindmark Corporation
• Olympus Corporation
• Inventis SRL
• Prestige Medical
• GF Health Products, Inc.
• CellScope, Inc. 

Market Segmentation

By Type Outlook

• Pocket Otoscope
• Full-sized Otoscope
• Video Otoscope

By Modality Outlook

• Wired Digital
• Wireless

By Portability Outlook

• Wall-mounted
• Portable

By End-user Outlook

• Hospitals
• ENT Clinics
• Others

By Regional Outlook

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa