Minding the most critical of the senses
It’s well understood that humans have five basic senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. But those senses are not equal in importance.
Greek philosopher Aristotle recognized that reality many years ago. In his classical hierarchy of the senses, sight ranks as the most critical, followed by hearing.
Issues associated with the eyes or ears, therefore, can wreak havoc on quality of life. Fortunately, today’s consumers have many choices when it comes to over-the-counter (OTC) eye care and ear care products.
More moisture, please
When it comes to eye-related issues, dry eye symptoms and dry eye syndrome are on the rise among consumers. The market for dry eye-relief products, therefore, continues to expand (see the sidebar, “Growing Demand for Dry Eye Relief”).Within this market, self-care is a consumer driver, noted Susan Hanson, chief operating officer of The Relief Products, Reno, Nev.
“Consumers have developed a renewed focus on their health and wellness goals,” she said. And thanks to growing concerns about the potential negative side effects and long-term effects of allopathic remedies, many consumers are searching for natural dry eye-relief alternatives, Hanson added. TRP introduced the homeopathic Natural Eyes eye drops line to help these consumers. In addition to dry eye symptoms, the line addresses red eye, pink eye, styes and allergy symptoms.
“We at TRP have always believed in homeopathy to nurture our bodies, using what nature provides to help your eyes stay healthy naturally,” she explained. “Unlike many traditional eye drops on the market today, Natural Eyes is made without the use of chemicals such as vasoconstrictors.”
Preservative-free formulations also are in demand for dry-eye treatment, said Sean Clark, general manager, U.S. Vision Care for Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas. With this reality in mind, Alcon created a portfolio of preservative-free dry eye-relief products: Systane Complete PF, Systane Hydration PF and Systane Ultra PF. In April, the company expanded the line to include a twin-pack of Systane Hydration PF. As Clark explained, the bottles’ Pure Flow technology, which features a one-way valve to keep contaminated liquid or air from re-entering, eliminates the need for preservatives.
“As always, innovation is a consistent driver of industry growth,” he noted.
Beyond dry eye relief
Many of today’s consumers suffer from eye issues other than — or in addition to — dry eyes. For example, approximately a third of contact wearers experience contact lens dryness, according to a 2019 study from Princeton, N.J.-based Multi-sponsor Surveys Inc.
Bausch + Lomb Corp., Laval, Quebec, had these consumers in mind when it introduced its Biotrue Hydration Plus multipurpose solution. Formulated with “bio-inspired” ingredients, the solution keeps more moisture on contact lenses “so consumers can enjoy their lenses with all-day comfort,” said Joe Gordon, president, Global Consumer, Surgical and Vision Care.
Another eye-care issue? Almost half of Americans—42%—have insufficient levels of vitamin D, a recent HealthMatch article states. Vitamin D is proven to support healthy cell function and is critical for protecting eye health, Gordon noted.
“Additionally, daily stressors, including smart phones, sunlight and screens, can impact the eyes,” he pointed out. “And as people age, the natural filter—macula—in the eyes may weaken and leave the eyes more vulnerable to stress.”
To help here, Bausch + Lomb offers enhanced Ocuvite Adult 50+ eye vitamins with vitamin D. The vitamins’ key nutrients help protect eye health, particularly as consumers age, Gordon noted.
And the company has more innovation in the works, he said. This year will bring line extensions to the Biotrue brand, including Biotrue Hydration Boost contact lens rehydrating drops, and the company’s eye-health vitamins lineup.
“The company will also launch Lumify Eye Illuminations, a new line of specialty products designed for the sensitive eye area,” Gordon added.
- Growing demand for dry eye relief
An increasing number of consumers are seeking relief from dry eye syndrome. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye disease, the syndrome is a condition in which the surface of the eyes lacks lubrication or moisture, Verified Market Research noted.
In its 2023 "Dry Eye Syndrome Market" report, the Jersey City, N.J.-based market research firm stated that the global market for dry eye relief products was valued at $5.53 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $8.22 billion by 2030. That reflects a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030.
“Aching and burning sensations, red eyes, sore eyes, itchy eyes, tired eyes, photophobia and other symptoms are all signs of dry eye,” Verified Market Research said. “Additionally, watery eyes may be a symptom because the dryness of the eye's surface overstimulates the creation of the watery component of tears. Excessive computer use, allergies, aging, LASIK eye surgery, menopause, hormone replacement treatment, smoking and other conditions can all contribute to dry eye syndrome.”
Dry eye disease is now considered to be a “critical and significant public health issue,” noted Susan Hanson, chief operating officer of The Relief Products, Reno, Nev. And up to half of American adults experience dry eye symptoms, she added, citing “Understanding Prevalence, Demographics of Dry Eye Disease,” a 2019 Ophthalmology Times article.
Verified Market Research anticipates that future growth in the dry eye product market will be driven by the rising geriatric and diabetes populations globally.
Ear care getting more attention
Consumers’ desire for self-care is a driver within the OTC ear care segment as well. The trend toward self-care often escalates during periods of economic uncertainty, explained Will Righeimer, CEO of Los Angeles-based Hyland’s Naturals.
“So, what we are seeing from consumers right now is a very proactive attempt to manage their health to the best of their ability,” he said. “They are researching preventive vitamins and supplements to support ear care and addressing common issues like swimmer’s ear and itchy, dry ear using OTC solutions.”
Two other trends within the segment are safer products and the prevalence of videos of the inner ear on social media, said Edward Wagner, CEO of Portland, Ore.-based Blue Echo Care. On the product safety front, consumer education is pushing a trend toward safer devices—similar to what’s used by audiologists—for wax removal and more. As for the latter trend, video-enabled otoscopes are allowing recording of the inner ear.
“One of my favorite bits of data I like to share with retailers is how mind-blowingly popular ear wax videos are online,” he said. “For example, there are currently 8.4 billion views on TikTok at #earwaxremoval and another 10.5 billion views at #earwax. … These products are utilizing new technology, integrating into the realm of social media and building on an established product like the otoscope. I’m very excited about their potential moving forward.”
The ear care category overall is also getting more attention, thanks to the introduction of OTC hearing aids (see the sidebar, “New Rule is Music to Many Consumers’ Ears”).
“With more people introduced to and interacting with the category, there’s a potential for an influx in sales and buyer interest,” said Elyse Dickerson, CEO of Eosera Inc., Fort Worth, Texas.
That’s already happened for the WaxRx ear washer, a product of Doctor Easy Medical Products, Orange Park, Fla. Although the product has been around for 25 years, the increased demand for self-care and the success of other professional-grade offerings have propelled the product to “a leading consumer ear care product,” noted the company’s president, Marcia Garcia. Modeled after professional ear washers, it’s the first OTC ear wax removal product able to remove even impacted ear wax.
Innovation aplenty
Heightened interest in the ear care category on the part of consumers means room for new, innovative OTC products. One such product is Hyland’s Naturals Dry Ear Relief Oil. According to Righeimer, the natural product combines oils such as aloe vera, jojoba seed and hemp seed to soothe dry ears.
“We are seeing an uptick in interest for dry ear treatment options,” he noted. “We believe this is a byproduct of the fact that so many more people are using earphones for work calls, and hearing aids are now available over the counter so more people are trying them.”
Safety has been a priority in new product development for Blue Echo Care. The company’s ear wax removal kit and electronic ear wax remover allow consumers to purchase the same devices used in doctor’s offices, for example, Wagner said. And the company recently introduced a Bluetooth-enabled otoscope for all Android and Apple devices.
“We’ve recently made all of these products [and others] available as private label as well, following the trend of retailers growing their own brands,” he added.
For its part, Eosera recently introduced Ear Pain MD, which contains the strongest concentration of lidocaine available over the counter—4%—to provide relief of ear pain, Dickerson said.
“It’s great for the warm months when swimmer’s ear season is prevalent and kids are in and out of the water,” she explained. “Ear Pain MD is not intended to treat infection [but] is a great product to use while systemic medication kicks in.”
This summer, the company also will be launching Ear Dryer MD. An electric, rechargeable ear dryer that features a warming function, the product will be a “must have” for swimmer’s ear season, Dickerson said, as warm, wet ears are breeding grounds for bacteria to grow.
- New rule is music to many consumers’ ears
Close to 30 million adults in the United States could benefit from hearing-aid use, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . However, hearing aids traditionally required a prescription—and came with a price tag too high for many consumers.
But on Aug. 16, 2022, the FDA issued a final rule establishing a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids. The action, which went into effect on Oct. 10, 2022, allows consumers with a perceived mild-to-moderate hearing impairment to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or from online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription or a fitting adjustment by an audiologist, the agency noted.
The rule is expected to lower the cost of hearing aids. It’s also designed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of OTC hearing aids while fostering innovation and competition in the hearing-aid technology marketplace, FDA said. The OTC category established in the rule applies to certain air-conduction hearing aids intended for people 18 years of age and older.
“Hearing loss is a critical public health issue that affects the ability of millions of Americans to effectively communicate in their daily social interactions,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Calif., M.D. “Establishing this new regulatory category will allow people with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss to have convenient access to an array of safe, effective and affordable hearing aids from their neighborhood store or online.”
New options for hearing loss
Some of the newest ear care innovations are in the OTC hearing aid space.
“It has never been easier for customers to receive support for their hearing loss,” said Christian Gormsen, CEO of Eargo, San Jose, Calif.
Although Eargo continues to see the introduction of hearing aids resembling earbud-style headphones, it’s focusing on “practically invisible” options to meet the needs of consumers who want a “more discreet device,” Gormsen said. The company’s latest OTC innovation—the self-fitting Eargo 7, which features Sound Adjust+ technology to mimic how natural hearing adapts to changing environments—debuted in January 2023.
“It combines the high tech and high touch of high-end devices at a more affordable price point, without compromising quality or user experience,” he said. “Eargo 7 is designed for discretion, measuring the size of a thumbnail … virtually invisible when in the ear and easily removed with a transparent pull tab.”
Charlotte Schrøder, senior manager of business development, Lifestyle Hearing for Jabra/GN Group in Copenhagen, Denmark, notes that her company continues to see more classic consumer electronics players entering the OTC hearing aid space.
“With this, new form factors and new features drawing on traditional consumer electronics experiences will emerge,” she said. “Tele-audiology and software-based services are being used to differentiate products. We also continue to see more focus on the use of AI to provide better user experiences.”
For its part, Jabra/GN Group recently introduced the Jabra Enhance Plus to the OTC hearing aid market.
“At $799 a pair, this is 80% cheaper than the average price paid today for a pair of traditional hearing aids purchased in a clinic, greatly expanding accessibility,” Schrøder said. “It’s important to note, however, that OTC is not a replacement of hearing aids as we know them today. Our Jabra Enhance Plus device provides a solution for those looking to begin their hearing health journey.”
Since OTC hearing aids hit the market, Eargo has noticed a positive trend, Gormsen noted: more conversations around general hearing wellness.
“Despite this, some customers are having a difficult time navigating what OTC hearing aids are and where they can purchase them, which is why we offer education and support every step along their journey,” he said.
Gormsen also encourages drug stores to consider the customer experience when it comes to planning and merchandising the OTC hearing aid assortment.
“Ease of access to affordable and high-quality hearing aids and comfort should be the top priority,” he said. “Simply placing a product … on the shelf is not enough. If the drug store is offering OTC hearing aids in a self-service station, the entire experience needs to be well thought out and intuitive for customers to avoid confusion and frustration.
Product Picks
PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula mini soft gels with OCUSorb
SRP: $34.99 per 120-count bottle
Bausch + Lomb Corp. introduced PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula mini soft gels with OCUSorb. The gels offer a proprietary composition of lutein and zeaxanthin, two important antioxidants that have been clinically shown to help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. In addition, OCUSorb has been clinically shown to provide superior absorption of these nutrients into the body in comparison to the original PreserVision AREDS 2 mini soft gel formula. They contain the exact nutrient formula recommended by the National Eye Institute, the company said. Each daily dose (two soft gels) of PreserVision AREDS 2 vitamins provides 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, 400 IU/180 mg of vitamin E, 10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, 80 mg zinc and 2 mg copper (cupric oxide).
Sony OTC Hearing Aids
SRP: $999 for CRE-C10; $1,299 for CRE-E10
Sony Electronics, San Diego,launched OTC hearing aids for the U.S. market. Developed in partnership with WS Audiology, a specialist in hearing aid technology, the CRE-C10 and the CRE-E10 self-fitting OTC hearing aids utilize the Sony | Hearing Control App for setup and to intuitively adapt to each user's speech and surroundings. The user-friendly app allows each device to communicate with the user's smartphone, enabling personalized settings and control. The CRE-C10 has a sleek, discreet design and is virtually invisible when worn, the company said.