Revolutionary Hearing Device Remains Invisible

In clinical trials, the device averaged a statistically significant increase in gain above hearing aids for speech reception threshold (SRT) and word recognition scores (WRS).

The surgical procedure involves mastoid surgery in addition to an extended facial recess surgical approach to access the ossicular chain, which is disarticulated during the implant procedure. The tips of the sensor and driver extend into the middle ear and are connected to the incus and stapes, respectively. The sound processor is implanted behind the ear, under the scalp, connected with insulated wires to the sensor and driver. Once implanted, the device is completely invisible, and does not interfere with bathing, showering, swimming, or other normal physical activities.

For approximately eight weeks after surgery, patients will not be able to hear through the ear in which the Esteem is implanted, and also suffer some tenderness for several days afterwards. After healing, the surgical incision is nearly invisible, appearing as a thin line that is generally hidden by the patient’s hair. Once hearing is restored, the battery will hold for 4.5–9 years, depending on usage. The Esteem prosthetic hearing restoration device is a product of Envoy Medical (St. Paul, MN, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Once implanted, Esteem is invisible, not just to others, but the patient is also unaware of its presence in their body. Recipients can resume a normal life,” said Shelly Amann, President of Envoy Medical.

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