Initial Experiences with the Envoy Acclaim(®) Fully Implanted Cochlear Implant

Introduction: Cochlear implantation has become the standard of care for the treatment of moderate-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. However, current technologies, all of which rely on an external sound processor, have intrinsic limitations that prevent certain activities and diagnostics, thus hampering full integration into a patient’s lifestyle. The Envoy Medical (White Bear Lake, MN, USA) Acclaim(®) fully implanted cochlear implant is a new device currently undergoing testing that has been designed to alleviate many of the current constraints by housing all components within the patient, thus allowing for near-constant use in many environments that are not conducive to a traditional cochlear implant. Methods: As part of an Early Feasibility Study, three adult implant candidates were implanted with the Acclaim(®) cochlear implant. Surgical video and photography were taken, and initial observations were recorded. Implantation with the Acclaim(®) device is largely similar to a traditional cochlear implant, with modifications to allow room for the implanted sensor as well as the implantation of a battery in the subcutaneous tissues of the chest. Results: This study demonstrates a step-by-step overview of implanting the Acclaim(®) and discusses initial insight and experiences with the first three implantations with this new device. Conclusions: All three surgeries proceeded without complication, and at activation, all three patients were hearing through their devices. Surgery is more technically challenging compared to a standard cochlear implant, but the skills needed can all be mastered by a dedicated otologic surgeon.