tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post8911638623189239413..comments2024-01-05T05:58:19.437-08:00Comments on Medical Quack: Esteem Implanted Hearing Aid From Envoy Gets Approval from the FDA – 1st Device of It’s KindMedical Quackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12443589277651479846noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-17188966617282517712014-03-12T13:15:34.671-07:002014-03-12T13:15:34.671-07:00I had the implant in November 2012. I developed a...I had the implant in November 2012. I developed a lot of scar tissue and Dr. Nichols in Houston did a revision in June 2013. It seems to be working pretty good, but just curious if anyone else is experiencing a "bubbling" sound in your ear? Its hard to describe. It's kind-of a rapid vibration. I mentioned it once to Dr. Nichols and I think he said it's the eustachian tube resonating. I think I remember him saying this was normal, but I've asked several people with good hearing if they hear this and they said no. I've tried holding my nose and trying to blow air out my nose and sometimes it helps for a few seconds but comes back. If you've experienced this or heard about this could you please explain what this is. I'm wondering if I still have scar tissue???Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07107149014519030224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-12792542021762384682014-02-24T09:15:37.017-08:002014-02-24T09:15:37.017-08:00I had the implant Feb. 2012 after four trips back ...I had the implant Feb. 2012 after four trips back to Chicago Dr. Marzo removed it saying it wouldn't work for me. Now my hearing in that ear is not as good even with a new hearing aid . Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07907915111226753705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-79223759225496096162014-02-24T06:30:07.802-08:002014-02-24T06:30:07.802-08:00Be careful have it looked at by another Dr.Be careful have it looked at by another Dr.Rossnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-47851141242416728092014-02-24T06:26:26.694-08:002014-02-24T06:26:26.694-08:00I live in Minneapolis I had the device implanted i...I live in Minneapolis I had the device implanted in my right ear in Feb. 2012. They turned it on in April. It would start to work and then quit. I went back to Chicago four times to see Dr. Marzo to find out why it I was having trouble. In Oct. Dr. Marzo operated on my ear to see if he could correct it. He said it wouldn't work for me . I use a hearing aid in my right ear now but don' hear as well out of right ear as I did before operation.Rossnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-6925501584531831992012-11-20T22:08:04.906-08:002012-11-20T22:08:04.906-08:00I looked here when I needed a hearing aid repair.I looked here when I needed a <a href="http://www.directhearingaidservice.com/sitepage.php?pageid=2" rel="nofollow">hearing aid repair</a>. Dallashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17167616710112289987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-78088679132923438902012-11-12T18:30:33.224-08:002012-11-12T18:30:33.224-08:00that is sad to hear.hopefully they will put in the...that is sad to hear.hopefully they will put in the prosthetic so you can go about your business.Thats why i havent done it yet-scared about infection since i have had a kidney transplantAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08421970565694478388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-78816045462816749252012-10-06T23:25:55.863-07:002012-10-06T23:25:55.863-07:00I had the implant feb 012 and it is a nightmare fo...I had the implant feb 012 and it is a nightmare for me. Due to infection, they removed it during revison surgery and didn't even install the prosthesis back so I don't even have my old hearing back. Also, no follow-up by Dr. or Envoy. They have my 30,000 now as well as they destroyed my fair hearing in the ear.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-8771529299282463252012-09-07T21:30:14.417-07:002012-09-07T21:30:14.417-07:00I am awaiting approval to get these implants.... A...I am awaiting approval to get these implants.... As I figured it, it will cost me $10,280.00 in batteries for the next 40 years for both hearing aids (changed frequently due to my profound loss). Then every 4 years I'd spend $4000 to get new hearing aids, which will cost me $40,000. I need new ear molds every year, which I currently spend $135.00 per ear, which is around $10,800.00. Total is $61,080. The additional benefit that allows me to swim and hear will solely convince me. <br /><br />Now, for the question I have... I've researched it and had an audiogram done recently, I was told by my audiologist that I wouldn't qualify because it's a non conductive loss. Hopefully she is wrong! Will post update once I find out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-55286563211190769262012-08-29T03:58:53.554-07:002012-08-29T03:58:53.554-07:00Thnx for imparting the topic. It's so opportun...Thnx for imparting the topic. It's so opportune as I am experiencing problems like this <a href="http://www.shoppharmacycounter.com/t-Adipex-Medicine.aspx" rel="nofollow">official site</a>, and also I am really considering trying this myself.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-14042521889227354862012-08-28T15:52:02.391-07:002012-08-28T15:52:02.391-07:00Anonymous in Chicago area. Just had the August 22 ... Anonymous in Chicago area. Just had the August 22 implant done and have many weeks of healing before being activated. I know all the catch 22's your dealing with. Motor vehicals isn't even this bad. Now, you said you have profound loss in those high frequencies but this device only treats loss up to severe loss. There's also other types of hearing loss besides sensorineural like mine which could disqualify you from surgery. Get second opinion please. If Envoy is not supporting you and your Doctor say's this device will be an off the shelf deal? May be Envoy won't send they're engineer to make sure those drivers are put on straight with laser measuring devices. My Doctor just today told me that Envoy will call me when I'm finished healing then call for an activation appoinment, so in your case may be they won't. If anything I learned that you have to be your own advocate, so try other Doctors. Other semi implant devices are available. I Don't know a thing about them though.Also the money issue. Let's face reality here, thousands of people in need of hearing care and they can't afford hearing aids never mind this heart ache. Yeah I know about the "new management" (shudders)deal. Just another way of saying how can we screw 'em today. Good luck freindAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-71767390307089750662012-08-28T09:33:04.352-07:002012-08-28T09:33:04.352-07:00I m in Chicago area. I was told back in April that...I m in Chicago area. I was told back in April that i was a candidate for esteem implants. Dr. Marzo told me they are waiting to get approval to do esteem surgeries in Loyola hospital in Maywood, IL instead of Oakbrook surgical center in Oakbrook, IL. I waited 4 months and all of a sudden Dr. Marzo decided not to implant esteem because I have profound high frequency loss (I did 52% in speech test though, requirement is 40% and above). I asked why change of decision now and not in April, Dr. Marzo told me that new management of Envoy medical is following strict guidelines on who can be a candidate for esteem and if he still implant the esteem it would be classified as off label device means no support like testing and warranties from envoy medical. I called Envoy and talked to Ploua and she says doctorss makes the final decisions and not Envoy on who should be the candidate esteem and here Dr. Marzo is saying he can do it but Envoy wont let him. I m really confused and frustrated. what should I do? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-9829149904470154892012-08-08T16:40:45.270-07:002012-08-08T16:40:45.270-07:00Well, I see I'm not the only one suffering fro...Well, I see I'm not the only one suffering from sensorineural hearing loss. My hearing loss is congenial and is at an present loss at about 70 decimals in both ears. After being made to jump through the hoops from Esteem with paper work, raiding my 401k, doctor visits, faxing all the hearing test results and pre-op work, I'm getting implanted August 22. Oh, the cost 30 grand? Try more like 37 grand when all is said and done with some financing. Over the past two and a half years I've spent 15 grand on hearing aids because a certain hearing despenser wasn't selling a strong enough hearing aid in the first time. So I'm hoping this might do the trick. How do I afford it? Well I make O.K money and just live like a scumbag living well below my means.But don't expect Uncle Sam's help. Obamacare will turn a {hahaha} deaf on you. Also the hearing care industry doesn't have the muscle to grease the hands and wheels in the Washinton beltway to make insurance companies cough up the dough either.Does anybody else feel like they're not being heard either?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-59843203613730419372012-08-01T10:20:23.044-07:002012-08-01T10:20:23.044-07:00Sorry, I haven't checked this in months. I ha...Sorry, I haven't checked this in months. I had my device activated in May. Overall, I am very pleased. It DOES take some adjustment and patience. After not hearing certain things for over 35 years, it takes a while to get used to certain sounds and how loud some noises can be. I love the fact that I can swim and shower and actually hear and not have to worry about wearing a hearing aid, etc. I am debating on whether to get my left ear done also. I still wear a left aid sometimes. I have people all the time as me if I would go back to a hearing aid and I would absolutely not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-11155619655012047292012-06-06T18:57:13.473-07:002012-06-06T18:57:13.473-07:00Did it work as well as they claimed?Did it work as well as they claimed?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-61438212162822273662012-06-05T11:13:37.623-07:002012-06-05T11:13:37.623-07:00I had Dr. Berryhill but my surgery was in Houston....I had Dr. Berryhill but my surgery was in Houston. I can't speak for OKC but as for Dr. Berryhill, he was wonderful. He put me and my parents at ease. He was a very professional doctor and passionate about the Esteem implant and what it does for people with hearing loss. I highly recommend him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-86732871451362952952012-05-31T19:21:21.875-07:002012-05-31T19:21:21.875-07:00My wife is getting ready to see if she is a candid...My wife is getting ready to see if she is a candidate with Dr. berry hill in Oklahoma City. Has anyone had this done there? Missouri momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-70621779376024023502012-05-13T05:53:46.879-07:002012-05-13T05:53:46.879-07:00I recently had the implant done at the San Jose cl...I recently had the implant done at the San Jose clinic. Post surgery has been pain free with minor discomfort. Being deaf in one ear has affected me more than I thought, but hopefully the short term problem will end when they turn it on. My hearing loss is sensorineural in the high frequency range. I also have tinnitus which will be bothersome during this two month period.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-61267901361940442802012-04-27T16:52:43.814-07:002012-04-27T16:52:43.814-07:00I have sensorineural hearing loss and I have been ...I have sensorineural hearing loss and I have been continually in debt for hearing aids over the past 50 years of my life. Each time the hearing aid people state how much "better" the latest model is....largely, it has become like snake oil, always a disappointment. It is sad that you are punished with having the disability, and then punished again for the price of technology. I am a single mom, and I would need bilateral implants. I just don't have $60,000 in my hip pocket!! I would love to find a way to make these implants possible, but a loan just isn't realistic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-12151176221305356702012-04-25T20:25:21.655-07:002012-04-25T20:25:21.655-07:00hello everyone
does anyone here have Alport's ...hello everyone<br />does anyone here have Alport's syndrome.My hearing loss is due to aport's and they too told me i was a good candidate for the esteem.However i have ringing in the ears as well and not sure if this would work out well before forking out that kind of dough.i live in canada.<br />I would like to see some other people who had the esteem and worked for them (see their audigram(Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-66137485921678079802012-04-21T18:24:42.450-07:002012-04-21T18:24:42.450-07:00does anyone else find it odd that many of the vide...does anyone else find it odd that many of the videos on the envoy/esteem website do not have closed caption?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-3169389853922576012012-04-20T09:33:59.230-07:002012-04-20T09:33:59.230-07:00Would love to hear more feedback from Joe and Jenn...Would love to hear more feedback from Joe and Jennnifer and any other implantees. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-86937293506587914132012-03-13T10:42:18.629-07:002012-03-13T10:42:18.629-07:00I had the implant surgery last week so I am still ...I had the implant surgery last week so I am still recovering. So far so good. Barb, I am assuming you had your surgery in the Woodlands? If so, I did too. I was highly impressed with the facility and the staff. They were amazing and very helpful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-18877876111774405022012-03-11T17:06:50.621-07:002012-03-11T17:06:50.621-07:00Had my implant surger on Jan 10, and my device tur...Had my implant surger on Jan 10, and my device turned on yesterday. The implant is so much better than hearing aids that I have worn 30 years. The Envoy people are fabulous and go to great lengths to answer questions and help. Quality care! My doctor was from California, I live in Texas.barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-81171817564931600742012-03-03T15:43:17.671-08:002012-03-03T15:43:17.671-08:00I so appreciate the time people are taking to shar...I so appreciate the time people are taking to share their experience and concerns with the Esteem middle ear implant. Please post more and with specifics. I have moderate severity SNHL and have been investigating the Esteem extensively (talked with Envoy reps, emailed receipients NOT on the website, and looked at excellent blogs like Kays). Not all people have had a good experience; specifically, if you have severe SNHL the Esteem people are giving the go ahead and they KNOW the results aren't so rosy with severe level of SNHL. I may very well get bilateral Esteem implants, but it breaks my heart that people are forking over BIG money and getting suboptimal results. As an audi from California said in a post above, it is in fact an implanted "hearing aid" with a slightly different mechanism than traditional nonimplanted aids, so improvement on average is about 5-10 decibels with some improvement in speech recognition (see the study results from the Esteem trials). Living with hearing loss is not easy (read: emotionally painful).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741684961227307530.post-56699406262244913662012-03-03T05:46:43.080-08:002012-03-03T05:46:43.080-08:00I am also interested in Joe's hearing loss lev...I am also interested in Joe's hearing loss level before the implant.Kayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04653993033652341055noreply@blogger.com