Auditory Brainstem Implant Market

The auditory brainstem implant market is projected to expand from US$ 71.63 million in 2024 to US$ 124.00 million by 2031, with an anticipated CAGR of 8.2% during the period from 2031 to 2031.

Analyst's Perspective

The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is a device designed for patients with hearing impairments who are not candidates for cochlear implants (CIs) due to anatomical limitations. This neuroprosthetic device bypasses the cochlear nerve, providing electrical stimulation to second-order neurons in the cochlear nucleus (CN) through a multichannel surface array. It is typically recommended for individuals with cochlear and retrocochlear pathologies.

The analysis of the auditory brainstem implant market highlights growth factors such as the increasing incidence of sensorineural hearing loss and advancements in ABI technology. However, the high costs associated with surgical procedures and restrictive reimbursement policies pose challenges to market growth. Additionally, the emergence of hybrid devices is expected to be a significant trend in the auditory brainstem implant market from 2022 to 2030.

Market Insights

Rising Incidence of Sensorineural Hearing Loss to Propel Auditory Brainstem Implant Market

As reported by StatPearls in 2023, the United States sees between 5 to 27 cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) per 100,000 individuals annually, leading to approximately 66,000 new cases each year. Furthermore, around 16% of adults globally with disabling hearing loss experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a major contributor to hearing loss in adults linked to occupational noise exposure. Despite regulations in many developed nations aimed at preventing NIHL, it remains prevalent. Research indicates that ABIs can effectively restore hearing in Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients with bilateral deafness. A study published by Wolters Kluwer in February 2021 examined auditory brainstem implantation in a 65-year-old male with bilateral cochlear otosclerosis and profound sensorineural hearing loss, concluding that extensive cochlear otosclerosis could lead to poor cochlear implant outcomes. In such scenarios, an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) may serve as a viable alternative for profound sensorineural hearing loss in both children and adults who derive minimal or no benefit from hearing aids and are unsuitable for cochlear implants.

Moreover, the introduction of advanced hearing implants featuring cutting-edge technologies has enhanced their efficacy in addressing hearing impairments. This, along with minimally invasive surgical techniques, has significantly contributed to the growth and visibility of the auditory brainstem implant market.

Future Trends

Emergence of Hybrid Devices as Future Trends in the Auditory Brainstem Implant Market During the Forecast Period

The creation of hybrid devices that integrate cochlear and brainstem implants aims to improve hearing outcomes for patients with hearing loss who cannot undergo cochlear implantation due to cochlear and cochlear nerve anomalies. A study published in the International Journal of Audiology in October 2022 evaluated impedance changes following the implantation of Hybrid-L electrodes, involving 137 adult patients who received the Hybrid-L electrode and were monitored for at least one year. The findings indicated reduced tissue growth with the Hybrid-L electrode array, despite its smaller contacts.

Consequently, the advancement of hybrid implants designed to minimize surgical risks, complications, and recovery times for patients is expected to drive growth in the auditory brainstem implant market from 2022 to 2030.

Strategic Insights

Report Segmentation and Scope

The auditory brainstem implant market is categorized based on components, age groups, applications, and end-users. In terms of components, the market is divided into microphones, decoding chips, and electrodes.

By age group, the auditory brainstem implant market is split into adults and pediatrics. The application segment is divided into sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss. Regarding end-users, the market is classified into hospitals, ENT clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers.

Segmental Analysis:

Component-Based Insights

The auditory brainstem implant market is segmented by components into microphones, decoding chips, and electrodes, with the electrodes segment holding the largest market share in 2022.

Age Group-Based Insights

The auditory brainstem implant market is divided by age group into adults and pediatrics, with the adult segment capturing a larger market share in 2022 and expected to maintain a significant revenue share globally from 2022 to 2030. This is attributed to the rising incidence of congenital profound hearing loss with anomalies in the adult population, leading to an increase in auditory brainstem implantation surgeries. Patients with severe Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) who are not candidates for auditory nerve surgery or have inner ear scarring from trauma or infection have found auditory brainstem implant surgery to be highly effective.

Application-Based Insights

The market is divided by application into sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss, with the sensorineural hearing loss segment holding a larger market share in 2022.

End User-Based Insights

The auditory brainstem implant market is categorized by end-users into hospitals, ENT clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. The hospitals segment is projected to experience the highest CAGR during 2022-2030. Auditory brainstem implants require complex surgeries that necessitate specialized medical care, including diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring, making hospitals crucial in providing comprehensive healthcare services to patients.

Regional Analysis

The auditory brainstem implant market is segmented geographically into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. The North American market is expected to grow significantly from 2022 to 2030, driven by the high availability and adoption of advanced treatment options and the concentration of key manufacturers in the region. The US, in particular, shows a high adoption rate of auditory brainstem implants due to factors such as the increasing prevalence of hearing loss and heightened awareness of these implants.

Key market players analyzed in the report include Cochlear Limited, Med-EL, Oticon Medical, Zhejiang Nurotron Biotechnology Co. Ltd., and Sonova Holding AG. These leading companies are focused on expanding and diversifying their market presence and clientele to capitalize on the business opportunities in the auditory brainstem implant market.

Auditory Brainstem Implant Market Report Scope

Key developments by major market players include:

• In January 2022, Cochlear Americas Corporation received FDA approval for its Nucleus 24 Cochlear Implant System, expanding its use for individuals aged five and older with severe to profound hearing loss in one ear (known as single-sided deafness/unilateral hearing loss) and normal hearing or mild hearing loss in the other ear.