Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical, discusses innovations in hearing health technology.
On Market Need
Q: Why is hearing health important?
Brent Lucas: Hearing loss affects hundreds of millions of people globally, yet many remain untreated. Untreated hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. Better solutions can make a meaningful difference.
Current hearing aids and cochlear implants help many patients, but they have limitations. There is significant opportunity to improve sound quality, ease of use, and patient outcomes.
On Technology
Q: What makes Envoy’s approach different?
Brent Lucas: Our cochlear implant technology offers potential advantages in sound quality and patient experience. Our approach to electrode design and signal processing aims to deliver more natural hearing compared to current options.
We are also focused on making devices easier to use with simplified programming and wireless connectivity.
On Regulatory Path
Q: Where are you in the approval process?
Brent Lucas: We are working closely with FDA on our regulatory submissions. Our clinical data has been encouraging, demonstrating safety and efficacy in patients. We are committed to meeting all regulatory requirements to bring our technology to patients.
On Market Opportunity
Q: How big is the cochlear implant market?
Brent Lucas: The cochlear implant market is approximately $2 billion globally and growing. Penetration remains low relative to the eligible patient population, creating significant expansion opportunity. Improved technology and increased awareness could accelerate adoption.