[DamonK]

I looked at the link above me.

Watched the video.

Googled it.

Here is the difference:

The Esteem® is fully implantable. The Esteem® is the only fully implantable device for the alleviation of sensorineural hearing loss that does not use a microphone, giving its recipients invisible hearing.

AND

A cochlear implant is an inner ear implant and the Esteem® is a middle ear implant. They address different degrees of hearing loss. A cochlear implant is for the profoundly deaf (greater than 90+ dB of loss). The Esteem® is indicated for moderate to severe hearing loss (40dB to 90dB).

However,

Esteem®’s maintenance-free battery lasts 4.5 to 9 years, depending on use. Once it is depleted, the battery is replaced in a minor outpatient surgical operation. Changing batteries every two weeks and laborious charging are things of the past.

And it costs $30,000. And that minor outpatient... Not quite sure on how much that.

Now, my BTE isn't cheap. I paid $2500 for it. The one I need now is $3500. I'm aware NONE of this is cheap. The above site mentions that battery changes are every couple of days for BTEs, etc. Those must be some crappy batteries in my opinion. I just bought 2 double pack of 12s I think. I can expect ONE pack to last at least a month. Usually longer. My hearing aid...I've had this one since 2004. Before that, there were 2 others. So 3 in 30 years!

Batteries cost a shitload. Maintenance can cost a shitload. Take care of 'em. You won't need it so much.

Ain't worth it to me.

http://www.envoymedical.com/cost-of-the-esteem
http://www.envoymedical.com/get-informed