Fully Implanted Esteem® Osseointegrated Active Middle Ear Implant

Invisible and true 24/7 hearing using your own ear:

The fully implanted Esteem® active middle ear implant (AMEI) is the only FDA-approved, completely internal hearing device for adults diagnosed with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. The Esteem hearing implant is invisible. There are no microphones to distort conversations or amplify wind. Unlike hearing aids, you never put it on or take it off. You can't lose it. You don't clean it. In fact, you rarely think about it - the Esteem hearing implant offers true 24/7 hearing.

Inability to use when experiencing ear canal irritation, discomfort, or infection
Unable to use when swimming, exercising, showering, sleeping or in inclimente weather
While hearing aids are a great first step in treating hearing loss, there are some real-life gaps between needing to hear 24/7 in every situation and managing the care of an external device.
Uncomfortable feedback when it’s windy outside or when you take a nap
Frequent and inconvenient battery replacement/recharging
Time without a device due to device component breakdown and necessary maintenance and repairs due to issues such as ear wax, moisture, dust, and frequent use.

The Esteem Middle Ear Implants

The Esteem Implant is the world’s first and only completely internal hearing device that works with your ear’s anatomy to let sound in the way nature intended. Unlike hearing aids, there are no microphones to distort conversations or amplify wind. And there is nothing in your ear canal to block sound’s natural path. Instead, the device’s three components work together with your ear to deliver Esteem’s natural hearing.

Esteem Sensor
Esteem Sound Processor
Esteem Driver

Esteem's Natural Hearing

Sound enters your outer ear and funnels down your ear canal causing your eardrum to vibrate. All as it as nature intended.

The Esteem Sensor then converts the vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the implanted Esteem Sound Processor.
The Esteem Sound Processor receives, adjusts and intensifies the signals to fit your unique hearing needs.
The Esteem Driver translates these customized signals to intensified vibrations. The vibrations are transferred to the inner ear where the cochlea cells are stimulated, causing you to hear more natural sound.
The Personal Programmer lets you make adjustments for the specific hearing situation. (not shown)

Choose an Envoy Medical Surgical Site!

Reach out and we will help you identify the closest and most cost effective site near you. Your Envoy Medical Counselor can also assist in getting you connected with the surgeon.

We work with a limited number of specialized Esteem surgeons across the country, your Envoy Medical Counselor will help determine which site makes the most sense for you and help you connect with the site and schedule an evaluation.

What to Expect from the Esteem Procedure

If you’re curious about what to expect when performing the Esteem procedure, here’s a link to a brief Q&A on the procedure from Dr. Jack Shohet. Dr. Shohet is a neurotologist who has completed over 300 Esteem cases, more than any other active surgeon in the U.S. To date, there have been more than 1,000 Esteem devices implanted worldwide, and many of the original clinical trial patients have had their devices for more than 14 years.

Click here to see What to Expect from the Esteem® Procedure and Recovery

What is the post-surgery success rate for the Esteem?

As Dr. Shohet comments in the Q&A above, the success rate is incredibly high, as 97% of patients implanted after the FDA approval show a demonstrable improvement in their audiometric evaluations. The three percent with less than successful results were caused by infections and poor audiological performance. The technology is very reliable with a failure rate of less than one percent. As you know, patient satisfaction rates are more subjective, and dependant on preoperative expectations.

When considering options it's always helpful to learn what an experienced Esteem surgeon has to say!

How is the Esteem implanted?

In people with sensorineural (nerve-related) hearing loss, the mechanics of the middle ear are functioning normally. The Esteem is designed to leverage the natural mechanics of the middle ear. The surgical procedure takes place under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours. The procedure is outpatient and so you can go home after surgery.

How long does the Esteem last?

Like all implanted medical devices, we use standard bench top testing to try to determine the products’ anticipated lifespan. All bench top testing done has shown an expected lifespan of at least 30 years (that was the limit of the testing done, not the limit of the device lifespan). Many of our patients have it implanted for more than ten years. Most of the components are based off of, or are similar to, pacemaker components — these products are built to last a long time in the human body.

What happens after surgery?

For approximately eight weeks after surgery the ear is healing and you will not be able to hear through the ear in which the Esteem is implanted.

What happens if Esteem makes improvements?

The Esteem is designed to be retroactively compatible. Therefore as improvements such as software upgrades and improved battery life are made Esteem patients will get to take advantage of these upgrades when their battery is replaced.

What does Esteem look like?

One of the most common questions prospective patients ask is what does the Esteem® really look like?

Watch this short video for an example:

What does the Esteem Really Look Like?

How does the Esteem work?

Curious about how the Esteem works? Watch the short video below to find out.

See how the Esteem works!

Does the Esteem have a battery?

Yes. The Esteem battery and software are housed together in the Sound Processor piece which sits in the temporal bone. The battery lasts an average of five years. When the battery begins to deplete, the Sound Processor is replaced with a new one in an outpatient procedure that takes place under local or general anesthesia depending on the surgeon’s preference. The procedure takes about an hour and afterwards the device is typically turned on right away.

When is the Esteem Activated?

Approximately 8 weeks after surgery. You will return to your Esteem surgical site and the Esteem Audiologist will turn on and adjust and program the device for your specific hearing needs.

Hearing loss is a journey and it is uniquely different for everyone despite similarities and common themes. It is important that you educate yourself on all of your options and become your best hearing health advocate.

The Esteem may not be the right solution for you, but on the other hand, maybe it is. Let us help you understand your hearing loss, weigh your options and locate hearing healthcare professionals committed to offering you a full spectrum of hearing solutions.

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to take the time to learn more and not just accept the status quo.

How does it work?

Submit Audiogram

We will review your test and let you know if Esteem might be an option for your specific loss

Choose an Envoy Medical Surgical Site!

We work with a limited number of specialized Esteem surgeons across the country, your Envoy Medical Counselor will help determine which site makes the most sense for you and help you connect with the site and schedule an evaluation.

Complete your Evaluation Appointment!

Determine full candidacy

Schedule your surgery date

Your Envoy medical Counselor can help answer questions about payment options

Frequently Asked Questions

News and Education

Reach out today!