Esteem Hearing Implant

The Esteem Hearing Implant is an implantable hearing aid designed for use by adults with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. This fully implanted active middle ear hearing device has no external components nor is anything placed in the ear canal. It is completely waterproof, allowing the user to swim underwater, shower or exercise. The Esteem utilizes the natural structures of the outer ear, the ear canal, and the ear drum, without a speaker or an artificial microphone, avoiding background noise, distortion, and acoustic feedback. This hearing aid must be implanted by a doctor. The surgery generally involves a brief hospital stay or may be considered an outpatient procedure. An incision is made behind the ear to allow access to the middle ear space. During the implant procedure, the ossicular chain is disarticulated (surgically separated). The tip of the Sensor and Driver extend into the middle ear. The surgeon connects the Sensor and Driver to the incus and stapes, respectively. The Sound Processor is implanted behind the ear, under the scalp. Insulated wires connect the Sound Processor to the Sensor and Driver. For approximately 8 weeks after surgery, recipients cannot hear through the ear in which the unit is implanted. POWER: Uses a battery that lasts 2.8 to 9 years, depending on usage.