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Full-time Hearing Using Your Own Ear
The Esteem® fully implanted active middle ear implant (FI-AMEI) works with the ear's natural anatomy. It is FDA-approved for adults with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss.
*Once activated, the external Esteem Personal Programmer is not required for daily use.
What sets the Esteem implant apart from other hearing solutions?
No External Components Worn on the Ear
The Esteem System is fully implanted, with no devices worn in or on the ear as part of everyday use.
Nature's Microphone™ Technology
An implanted piezoelectric sensor — powered by Nature's Microphone™ Technology — uses the ear's natural anatomy to detect eardrum vibrations instead of relying on external microphones.
Everyday Simplicity
No daily cleaning, charging, or adjusting required.
24/7 Continuous Hearing
A fully implanted system designed for use across day-to-day activities without routine handling or device placement. This may be especially helpful for individuals who live alone or support others in caregiving roles.
Long Battery Life*
The implanted battery is designed to last for years.* Battery life varies based on individual use and programming.
Waterproof Design**
The implanted components are waterproof up to 33 feet**, allowing use during activities such as showering, swimming, or exercising. The external Personal Programmer is not waterproof.
*The battery life may be reduced to 2.8 years if continually exposed to very loud sound levels using the highest gain settings. **The Esteem implant is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet; the External Personal Programmer is not waterproof.
The Esteem Implant
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 similar to the way nature intended. Unlike hearing aids, which use an artificial microphone, the Esteem technology uses the eardrum as a microphone allowing the ear canal to remain open. The device's three components work together with the ear's anatomy to let sound in similar to the way nature intended.
- Esteem Sensor
- Esteem Sound Processor
- Esteem Driver
*Once activated, the external Esteem Personal Programmer is not required for daily use.
The Esteem Implant's Natural Hearing
Sound enters your outer ear and funnels down your ear canal causing your eardrum to vibrate. All 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 in a way similar to the way nature intended.
- The external Personal Programmer lets you make adjustments for the specific hearing situation. (not shown)
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during surgery?
The Esteem device is implanted during surgery that takes, on average, 3–4 hours. The two transducers are implanted in the middle ear under general anesthesia and is typically outpatient.
Does the Esteem implant 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.
Note: Battery life may reduce to 2.8 years with continuous loud sound exposure at highest gain settings.
When will I be able to hear with the Esteem implant?
After a healing period determined by your surgeon, typically eight weeks, you will return to the surgical center for a follow-up appointment. Your audiologist will activate, or turn on, your Esteem implant and program it to your preferences, customizing three different programs.
How will I know the battery is depleting?
Battery depletion indicators include the confirmation tone changing from a single tone to a dual tone and the low battery LED light illumination on the programmer.
How is the Esteem battery replaced?
A battery replacement requires removing the Sound Processor piece and replacing it with a new one. The procedure is typically outpatient, takes place under local or general anesthesia, and typically takes about an hour.
What do patients say?
"After I got the [Esteem] implant, my life completely changed. I was finding myself going out in public more often, becoming much more social."
Andrea*
From Mom to Mrs. Nebraska — Implantee for 18 years
"It's very difficult to swim with 5,000 other people and not be able to hear!"
Bryan*
Business Director, Tri-athlete, Father of Two, California — Implantee for 18 years
"It's changed how I interact with my kids, my community and really how I feel about myself, immensely. I feel like I have a new lease on life with this [the Esteem] device and I really, truly feel like I can do anything I want to do."
Amy**
Mother of Two, Joins Envoy Medical — Bilateral implanted: Left 18 years, Right 14 years
Are you a candidate for the Esteem implant?
The Esteem is designed for adults diagnosed with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. The best way to know if you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation.
