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To: shawn_f who wrote (689)	9/2/2000 12:40:29 PM
From: Tom Hua	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 19633

Shawn, there're numerous differences between laser vision correction and SMPX's "hearing aid": 1. vision correction costs 2 grand for both eyes, SMPX's Vibrant Soundbridge costs 15 to 20 grand for one ear. The company has no near term plans to market its device for both ears. 2. laser vision correction procedure is non-invasive. Soundbridge requires cutting the skull open for implantation of a foreign object. Failure of the device requires further skull opening. 3. Most important is the type of patients. Vision correction patients are mostly younger working people, Soundbridge patients are mostly seniors who live on savings and are usually careful with spending. I really do not see a meaningful market for Soundbridge. How many seniors are willing to spend 20 grand of their own with no insurance coverage to have their skull open for implantation of a foreign object and still probably wear hearing aid in the other ear, knowing of the possibility that facial nerve paralysis and taste disturbance could occur following implantation? Regards, Tom