Esteem - Hearing Implant?

ladysolitary85 · 07-13-2011, 06:22 PM

Anyone heard of this??? This is the first for me.

Get Informed

**Bottesini** · 07-13-2011, 06:26 PM

I think Kokonut brought it up in Sailerboy's thread about waterproof hearing aids.

I think it is not for people with profound losses.

jillio · 07-13-2011, 06:33 PM

Aimed toward late deafened adults. Website is a bunch of blown up advertising. Research results are not reported so that you can really tell anything about them.

ladysolitary85 · 07-13-2011, 06:38 PM

I don't like the idea that the battery is surgically changed every 4 yrs....

ladysolitary85 · 07-13-2011, 06:40 PM

OMG $30,000 procedure????? eeekk!

jillio · 07-13-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladysolitary85

I don't like the idea that the battery is surgically changed every 4 yrs....

That concerned me, as well. I would really hate to see this implanted in a young adult. Look at all the surgeries they would face over a lifetime. And all just so people couldn't see their HA.

Frankly, if someone is that concerned about their HA being visable, they would do better to take the money they would spend on this implant and put it into some therapy.

ladysolitary85 · 07-13-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

That concerned me, as well. I would really hate to see this implanted in a young adult. Look at all the surgeries they would face over a lifetime. And all just so people couldn't see their HA.

Frankly, if someone is that concerned about their HA being visable, they would do better to take the money they would spend on this implant and put it into some therapy.

If I was going to go under the knife for sound, I would only want to go through with it once and ONLY once.

I guess thats incredibly sneaky on their part though to keep the money flowing in their pockets though. But now what happens if your out of cash because your stuck paying for this and they wont renew your battery? your stuck with this til you can afford to pay for it. I'm curious to know how much it is for a new battery.

hell, I'm having trouble paying off my hearing aid thats $2,500 (only ($1,100 to go woohoo!) why in the hell would I want to sink deeper into debt?

deafdyke · 07-13-2011, 07:27 PM

Yes, I have a feeling that only high end insurances will cover this. Most insurances don't even cover hearing aids, or even fully cover CIs or MAPPings etc.
And i don't get it...Why hide the fact that you're hoh? I LIKE it when people notice my hearing aids. It tells them I am hoh.

ladysolitary85 · 07-13-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafdyke

Yes, I have a feeling that only high end insurances will cover this. Most insurances don't even cover hearing aids, or even fully cover CIs or MAPPings etc.
And i don't get it...Why hide the fact that you're hoh? I LIKE it when people notice my hearing aids. It tells them I am hoh.

I would imagine some were bullied so badly as kids because of it that someone would be so willing to go through with it to hide it. My hearing aid isn't as noticeable but it is viable still.

deafdyke · 07-13-2011, 08:16 PM

Quote:

I would imagine some were bullied so badly as kids because of it that someone would be so willing to go through with it to hide it

. yeah, but as Jillo said, the implant is targeted towards the type of people who think " OH NOES! Wearing a hearing aid means I'm OLD. Hearing aids are UGLY!"

ladysolitary85 · 07-13-2011, 08:37 PM

I mean seriously, I have a Starkey RIC and I LOVE it so much, I just wish I can hear better with it on but thats not the hearing aid's doing.

Hearing aids has advanced! if only people would look into it.

should never have to be ashamed of hearing loss. I've accepted mine

deafdyke · 07-13-2011, 09:20 PM

You know, I will never understand the type of people who opt for invisable aids over BTEs. It's not like a BTE is one of those 1930's body worn aids or an ear horn.
And I love (sarcasm) how they're all " you can swim and all that sort of stuff"
So? That is part of being hoh......Why the heck would you want to hear all the time?
Seriously, I think this is going to receive some interest,but then sink like a stone.

ladysolitary85 · 07-13-2011, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafdyke

You know, I will never understand the type of people who opt for invisable aids over BTEs. It's not like a BTE is one of those 1930's body worn aids or an ear horn.
And I love (sarcasm) how they're all " you can swim and all that sort of stuff"
So? That is part of being hoh......Why the heck would you want to hear all the time?
Seriously, I think this is going to receive some interest,but then sink like a stone.

I could of gone with IIC, CIC, but honestly I don't even like the idea of it possibly being stuck in my ear... even if it isn't likely.

My RIC is only a bit smaller than the BTE but same idea. Its classy looking and it still tells other people "hey, I'm HOH" I couldn't imagine going through that implant and trying to explain to people your HOH and they look at you like your an idiot.

Audiofuzzy · 07-14-2011, 02:04 AM

your RIC does look cool

I wish I knew about them before I bought my new black Siemens BTE -
now I have to wait another 5 years for these!

Fuzzy

ladysolitary85 · 07-14-2011, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiofuzzy

your RIC does look cool

I wish I knew about them before I bought my new black Siemens BTE -
now I have to wait another 5 years for these!

Fuzzy

Thanks! I absolutely love it!

Just go to starkey.com and you can find a store near you. More than likely you can try one out for 30 days free. Thats partly what won me over with it. Very clear sound (that I can remember, its been awhile since I heard clearly but again, its not the hearing aid, I'm going through some ear issues) but man I wish I had this back in the day!

I would absolutely love to see a review from you between your BTE and the RIC!

Grummer · 07-14-2011, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladysolitary85

I don't like the idea that the battery is surgically changed every 4 yrs....

nuclear batteries and if it leaks...

ladysolitary85 · 07-14-2011, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grummer

nuclear batteries and if it leaks...

yikes! how about nooooooooo....

Frisky Feline · 07-14-2011, 04:44 AM

oh boy good thinking, grummer. I keep thinking how uneasy any foreign object gets in my body or head. *shudder*

bbaseballboy123 · 07-14-2011, 06:22 AM

as most of you guys know, I love my implants, and use it everyday like its a drug...

I would avoid this at all costs! Lol, surgery every 4 years so you can not show the processor? Pathetic.

Sarfarigirl2011 · 07-14-2011, 06:26 PM

dude, I prefer a regular BTE hearing aid over the Esteem and that implant are for peeps who has moderate to severe loss
2, I wouldn't go for that so I'm sticking with my purple BTE hearing aid that I ♥

Audiofuzzy · 07-15-2011, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Just go to starkey.com and you can find a store near you. More than likely you can try one out for 30 days free. Thats partly what won me over with it. Very clear sound (that I can remember, its been awhile since I heard clearly but again, its not the hearing aid, I'm going through some ear issues) but man I wish I had this back in the day!

Thank you

I have to wait though, as the Siemens I bought a year ago was kinda pricey, so... gotta give it as much time as it is due.
But already I can't wait to look as cool as you!

About Esteem.
It occurred to me that perhaps some pple who lost their hearing later in life, and also are for example holding high business position,
like maybe a VIP or CEO or the likes,
might be afraid to look "weak" or "unprofessional" if they were to wear hearing aids. Hence the Esteem.

Also, even with frequent surgeries it is still a very convenient hearing aid, come to think of it.
We have to change our batteries every what- two or less weeks?
have to take them off while we sleep, can't get them soaked, etc.
Again - Esteem looks like an easy and convenient way for a busy businessman or businesswoman who doesn't want to be bothered
with all this bupkies stuff.

And while the surgery to implant is more complicated, the battery change I think requires only very minor procedure,
probably like cut the flap of surface skin, remove the battery, put the new one in, sew the flap again, and done. Just my guess, I dunno.
To the best of my understanding, this is done under local anesthesia only
so there is no danger or being put under.

I know, still a bit high price for 4 - 6 years of convenience, but like the saying goes-
to each his own..

Fuzzy

Mudkipz · 07-15-2011, 01:10 PM

There's one like this but as a cochlear implant by Cochlear America, I think.

It's somewhere on this forum, but it's interesting how such companies are beginning to put HA/CI inside one's head and slap "Noone can see you and your CI/HA. Come get one!" as a marketing strategy.

I want results. I want affordability, and most of all, a secure plan in case the CI/HA breaks... inside your head. I would wait and let all the huge risk-takers take a dip and try it out to let me know how it is.

Beach girl · 07-15-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudkipz

There's one like this but as a cochlear implant by Cochlear America, I think.

It's somewhere on this forum, but it's interesting how such companies are beginning to put HA/CI inside one's head and slap "Noone can see you and your CI/HA. Come get one!" as a marketing strategy.

I want results. I want affordability, and most of all, a secure plan in case the CI/HA breaks... inside your head. I would wait and let all the huge risk-takers take a dip and try it out to let me know how it is.

I think I'm with you on this one. I tend to be a medium to late adopter of technological stuff in general, and am really, really slow to agree to surgery for anything. I waited a few years fighting off the last surgical procedure I had, which really I should have done earlier, but I kept looking for alternatives. (Had nothing to do with hearing.)

At the same time, I think Audiofuzzy is making some good points there. Nothing in life is totally without risk, and if these early adopters think the benefits outweigh the risks, as far as they can tell - well, good on 'em, and I hope it works out well for everyone who might do it.

Audiofuzzy · 07-15-2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

At the same time, I think Audiofuzzy is making some good points there. Nothing in life is totally without risk, and if these early adopters think the benefits outweigh the risks, as far as they can tell - well, good on 'em, and I hope it works out well for everyone who might do it.

Thank you

Also, one more thing came to me after yesterday - how sometimes it is annoying
when people constantly ask you the same qqq over and over about your HA.
You get tired of it.
It's probably ever worse for those with CI, because it does look more intriguing.

You don't get this with invisible Esteem!

Fuzzy

jillio · 07-15-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiofuzzy

Thank you

I have to wait though, as the Siemens I bought a year ago was kinda pricey, so... gotta give it as much time as it is due.
But already I can't wait to look as cool as you!

About Esteem.
It occurred to me that perhaps some pple who lost their hearing later in life, and also are for example holding high business position,
like maybe a VIP or CEO or the likes,
might be afraid to look "weak" or "unprofessional" if they were to wear hearing aids. Hence the Esteem.

Also, even with frequent surgeries it is still a very convenient hearing aid, come to think of it.
We have to change our batteries every what- two or less weeks?
have to take them off while we sleep, can't get them soaked, etc.
Again - Esteem looks like an easy and convenient way for a busy businessman or businesswoman who doesn't want to be bothered
with all this bupkies stuff.

And while the surgery to implant is more complicated, the battery change I think requires only very minor procedure,
probably like cut the flap of surface skin, remove the battery, put the new one in, sew the flap again, and done. Just my guess, I dunno.
To the best of my understanding, this is done under local anesthesia only
so there is no danger or being put under.

I know, still a bit high price for 4 - 6 years of convenience, but like the saying goes-
to each his own..

Fuzzy

There is a risk with any surgery; even those considered to be minor. That is why you have to sign an informed consent form prior to any procedure.

Audiofuzzy · 07-15-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

There is a risk with any surgery; even those considered to be minor. That is why you have to sign an informed consent form prior to any procedure.

AND read the SMALL PRINT.
always!

Fuzzy

ladysolitary85 · 07-16-2011, 03:33 AM

Honestly? I used to HATE it when people noticed my hearing aid back in the day. Now, being an adult, it is a part of me. Without it I can't hear almost at all. With it I still face issues but its still enough to help me get around where I need to.

I would definitely wait til this thing becomes more advanced, more research is done with it. Til then I'll stick with my hearing aid. I am curious about a CI though.

northernsydney · 07-18-2011, 01:21 AM

Some people will tell you that slow is good - and it may be, on some days - but I am here to tell you that fast is better. I've always believed this, in spite of the trouble it's caused me. Being shot out of cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles. I would definitely wait till this thing becomes more advanced; more research is done with it. Till then I'll stick with my hearing aid. I am curious about a CI though.

Sweetpolly · 07-29-2011, 11:28 PM

HI, as for the Esteem, I am looking into seeing if I qualify. Also, is not because people want to hide their hearing aide surgical procedure. It is because the whole implant is implanted inside you and it is for people with sensorineural hearing loss. Regular hearing aides do not work on me - believe me, I have tried the best every 3 or 4 years. VA pays for it and it only the h.a.s not only makes sounds louder for me but also more garbled because I have sensorineural hearing loss very bad. So, I checked into this Esteem - I will consult with the VA and see if they will pay for it then I might get them.
Esteem products says because the implant is inside - it is direct sound I would hear as opposed to the hearing aides that collects all sounds outside of the ear. Of course I will get more answers to many questions - once I'm approved.

ladysolitary85 · 07-30-2011, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetpolly

HI, as for the Esteem, I am looking into seeing if I qualify. Also, is not because people want to hide their hearing aide surgical procedure. It is because the whole implant is implanted inside you and it is for people with sensorineural hearing loss. Regular hearing aides do not work on me - believe me, I have tried the best every 3 or 4 years. VA pays for it and it only the h.a.s not only makes sounds louder for me but also more garbled because I have sensorineural hearing loss very bad. So, I checked into this Esteem - I will consult with the VA and see if they will pay for it then I might get them.
Esteem products says because the implant is inside - it is direct sound I would hear as opposed to the hearing aides that collects all sounds outside of the ear. Of course I will get more answers to many questions - once I'm approved.

SweetPolly more power to you

Please let us know how your experience with it is if you get approved.

I personally couldn't go through with it but that's just me.

07-13-2011, 06:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,512	Esteem - Hearing Implant? Anyone heard of this??? This is the first for me. Get Informed

07-13-2011, 06:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
jillio Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 60,296	Aimed toward late deafened adults. Website is a bunch of blown up advertising. Research results are not reported so that you can really tell anything about them. deafdyke likes this.

07-13-2011, 07:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
deafdyke Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Trebekistan Posts: 13,078	Yes, I have a feeling that only high end insurances will cover this. Most insurances don't even cover hearing aids, or even fully cover CIs or MAPPings etc. And i don't get it...Why hide the fact that you're hoh? I LIKE it when people notice my hearing aids. It tells them I am hoh. ladysolitary85 likes this.

07-13-2011, 09:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
deafdyke Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Trebekistan Posts: 13,078	You know, I will never understand the type of people who opt for invisable aids over BTEs. It's not like a BTE is one of those 1930's body worn aids or an ear horn. And I love (sarcasm) how they're all " you can swim and all that sort of stuff" So? That is part of being hoh......Why the heck would you want to hear all the time? Seriously, I think this is going to receive some interest,but then sink like a stone. ladysolitary85 likes this.

07-14-2011, 02:04 AM	#14 (permalink)
Audiofuzzy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,384	your RIC does look cool I wish I knew about them before I bought my new black Siemens BTE - now I have to wait another 5 years for these! Fuzzy ladysolitary85 likes this. __________________ . A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. Mohandas Gandhi .

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

07-13-2011, 06:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bottesini Joe's Friend Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: With Owl Sock Posts: 37,522 Blog Entries: 1	I think Kokonut brought it up in Sailerboy's thread about waterproof hearing aids. I think it is not for people with profound losses.

07-13-2011, 06:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,512	I don't like the idea that the battery is surgically changed every 4 yrs....

07-13-2011, 06:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,512	OMG $30,000 procedure????? eeekk!

07-13-2011, 08:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,512	I mean seriously, I have a Starkey RIC and I LOVE it so much, I just wish I can hear better with it on but thats not the hearing aid's doing. Hearing aids has advanced! if only people would look into it. should never have to be ashamed of hearing loss. I've accepted mine

07-14-2011, 04:44 AM	#18 (permalink)
Frisky Feline Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 20,223	oh boy good thinking, grummer. I keep thinking how uneasy any foreign object gets in my body or head. shudder

07-14-2011, 06:22 AM	#19 (permalink)
bbaseballboy123 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Connecticut, US Posts: 513	as most of you guys know, I love my implants, and use it everyday like its a drug... I would avoid this at all costs! Lol, surgery every 4 years so you can not show the processor? Pathetic. JClarke, KarissaMann05 and ladysolitary85 like this. __________________ Deaf and Smart. Business Major at RIT. Have Bi-lateral cochlear implants. But know ASL as well. Working on a new project that will benefit deaf peeps

07-14-2011, 06:26 PM	#20 (permalink)
Sarfarigirl2011 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,975	dude, I prefer a regular BTE hearing aid over the Esteem and that implant are for peeps who has moderate to severe loss 2, I wouldn't go for that so I'm sticking with my purple BTE hearing aid that I ♥ KarissaMann05 and ladysolitary85 like this. __________________ 18 yr old girl with a moderate/severe in the right and severe on the left. currently wearing purple Oticon Safari P 600s

07-16-2011, 03:33 AM	#27 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,512	Honestly? I used to HATE it when people noticed my hearing aid back in the day. Now, being an adult, it is a part of me. Without it I can't hear almost at all. With it I still face issues but its still enough to help me get around where I need to. I would definitely wait til this thing becomes more advanced, more research is done with it. Til then I'll stick with my hearing aid. I am curious about a CI though.

07-18-2011, 01:21 AM	#28 (permalink)
northernsydney Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 69	Some people will tell you that slow is good - and it may be, on some days - but I am here to tell you that fast is better. I've always believed this, in spite of the trouble it's caused me. Being shot out of cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles. I would definitely wait till this thing becomes more advanced; more research is done with it. Till then I'll stick with my hearing aid. I am curious about a CI though.

07-29-2011, 11:28 PM	#29 (permalink)
Sweetpolly Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: So. California Posts: 134	HI, as for the Esteem, I am looking into seeing if I qualify. Also, is not because people want to hide their hearing aide surgical procedure. It is because the whole implant is implanted inside you and it is for people with sensorineural hearing loss. Regular hearing aides do not work on me - believe me, I have tried the best every 3 or 4 years. VA pays for it and it only the h.a.s not only makes sounds louder for me but also more garbled because I have sensorineural hearing loss very bad. So, I checked into this Esteem - I will consult with the VA and see if they will pay for it then I might get them. Esteem products says because the implant is inside - it is direct sound I would hear as opposed to the hearing aides that collects all sounds outside of the ear. Of course I will get more answers to many questions - once I'm approved.

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