An FDA panel is recommending approval of a new hearing device based on pacemaker technology. Developed by Minnesota-based Envoy Medical Corporation (formerly St. Croix Medical), the Esteem hearing restoration system is placed under the skin behind the ear. It is completely invisible to others. Already approved in Europe, doctors have implanted it in 250 people. The price tag will be about $30,000 and that includes surgery and follow-up testing.
