1. What is the Acclaim®?
2. Is it fully internal?
3. Can others get it now?
4. Is it covered by insurance?
5. What was your hearing like before?
6. Why did you volunteer?
7. What happened at activation?
8. What did it sound like?
9. How long before speech was clear?
10. Why was your experience unique?
11. How has it changed your daily life?
12. How does sound feel now?
13. Biggest challenges after surgery?
14. How’s hearing in noise?
15. Can you use phones/headphones?
16. Is it visible?
17. What surprised you most?
18. How did your son react?
19. How do you describe this to others?
20. Are you still in the trial?
21. Can you talk about it publicly?
22. Why a PR campaign?
23. Are you being paid?
24. What’s your relationship with Envoy/Mayo?
25. How can people support you?
26. Where can people follow your journey?
27. What’s your advice to others?

What is the Acclaim® device and how is it different from a cochlear implant?

The Acclaim® is a fully implanted hearing device with no external components. Unlike traditional cochlear implants, it uses my natural ear to pick up sound, and everything is processed internally.

Is the Acclaim® completely internal?

Yes. There are no external parts at all—no microphone, processor, or battery to wear. I shower, sleep, and live with it just like any other part of my body.

Can others get the Acclaim® now?

Not yet. The device is still in the early part of the second phase of the clinical trial and isn’t available to the general public. However, Envoy Medical and Mayo Clinic are currently seeking individuals who may be eligible to participate in this phase.

Is the Acclaim® covered by insurance?

Since it’s still investigational, it isn’t covered by insurance at this time but as a cochlear implant, my understanding is that it will be.

What was your hearing like before the procedure?

I had profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. I could hear sound, but I couldn’t understand what people were saying without reading lips or captions. Conversations, phone calls, and daily sounds were all difficult or impossible to process.

Why did you volunteer for the clinical trial?

My son was the main reason. I wanted to hear him clearly and be more present in his life. I also saw this as a chance to contribute to something greater than myself.

What happened during your activation appointment?

The moment the implant was turned on, I was overwhelmed. All I heard was robotic, distorted noise. When Dr. Saoji clapped his hands, it sounded like a digitized racquetball hitting a wall. I was devastated and turned the implant off in the Mayo parking garage.

What did the sounds initially sound like?

Everything was metallic, digital, and screeching. It didn’t resemble speech or anything recognizable at first. It was chaos.

How long did it take you to understand speech after activation?

I didn’t understand any speech during activation. It was a prototype being activated for the first time in a human, and they were still going through initial calibration and setup. No one knew what to expect. I turned it off shortly after, pretty distraught. I first started recognizing bits of my own voice about 30 minutes into the drive home. About 4 hours into the drive I could hear everything that I said or sang in my own voice, clearly. Still heard the screeching with everything else but it was getting progressively clearer. By the fourth day, all the screeching had faded and everything I heard became clear.

What made your experience so unique compared to other trial participants?

Most people take weeks or months to understand speech. My brain adapted in just a few days. According to the study team, no one else in the trial adapted this quickly or fully.

How has the procedure changed your daily life?

It changed everything. I can talk on the phone, understand people without lip reading, and engage in conversations like I never could before. It’s like I was unplugged from the world and suddenly reconnected.

How does sound feel or seem now compared to before?

It feels natural. Not mechanical or robotic like some other devices. It’s like my brain just understands it—there’s no conscious effort involved.

What were the biggest challenges after surgery?

Waiting for activation was hard. I had to let everything heal for several weeks without knowing if it would work. It was also mentally exhausting adapting so quickly, even though it was a good thing.

How is your hearing in noisy places?

It’s still challenging, but much better than before. I can usually follow conversations in restaurants or public spaces, which I couldn’t do at all before.

Can you use phones, headphones, or earbuds?

Yes. I use phones normally. Earbuds don’t transmit sound directly to the implant, but over-the-ear headphones work well.

Do people know you have a hearing device?

No, not unless I tell them. There are no visible parts, scars are hidden, and nothing about me suggests I have hearing loss.

What has surprised you the most about this journey?

How fast my brain adapted and how emotional it was to hear things again—especially my son’s voice. It felt like waking up after being muted for years.

How did your son react to your new hearing?

He smiled a lot. He started testing me—whispering from behind me or calling me from another room just to see if I could hear. It brought us closer.

How do you describe what happened to others?

I say it’s like someone rewired my brain overnight. I didn’t just hear again—I understood again. And that’s the miracle of it.

Are you still involved in the trial?

Yes. I’m in the follow-up phase and have agreed to participate in the next stage if eligible.

Are you allowed to talk publicly about the clinical trial?

Yes. I have full permission from both Envoy Medical and Mayo Clinic to share my story and experiences.

Why did you start a PR campaign?

To raise awareness, inspire others with hearing loss, and open new doors—professionally and personally. I also want to advocate for better hearing solutions and support future patients.

Are you being paid to promote the device?

No. I’m not paid by Envoy or Mayo. I share my story on my own and any support I receive is from the public, not the companies.

What’s your relationship with Envoy Medical or Mayo Clinic?

I’m a participant in their clinical trial. I’m not employed by them and have no financial relationship with them.

How can I support your advocacy work?

You can follow, share, donate, or reach out. Every bit of visibility and encouragement helps keep this going.

Where can I follow your journey?

You can follow me on social media, subscribe to updates on this site, or check out the latest blog entries and video clips.

What advice do you have for others with hearing loss?

Don’t give up hope. Technology is changing fast, and you never know what breakthrough is around the corner. Keep pushing, keep asking questions, and stay open to possibilities.