Symphonix Devices Allows Patients to Test Vibrant Soundbridge Technology Before Surgery

Unique Demonstration Device Offers Simulation of More Desirable Alternative to Hearing Aids

SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 21, 2002 -Symphonix Devices ®, Inc. (NASDAQ:SMPX) announced today the debut of its Direct Drive Demonstrator, a simulation system that allows patients with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss to experience the potential benefit of the company's Vibrant® Soundbridge™ implantable middle ear hearing device before surgery. Presented publicly for the first time last week at the American Auditory Society's Scientific and Technology meeting in Phoenix, the Direct Drive Demonstrator is already being used by a limited number of otologists and has been evaluated by current Vibrant Soundbridge patients who said it accurately reflected how they now hear with the implant.

The Direct Drive Demonstrator is a battery-powered system that consists of an MP-3 player and Symphonix' proprietary technology, the Floating Mass Transducer™ (FMT), which is a tiny transducer that directly vibrates the middle ear by mimicking the natural motion of the ossicular chain, sending an enhanced signal to the cochlea.

Prospective patients who are actively seeking a better alternative to their traditional acoustic hearing aids can go through a simulation with their otologist before determining if the Vibrant Soundbridge is right for them. The process is simple and can be done in just minutes. Pre-recorded speech and music are played to allow the patient to hear the quality and clarity that can be achieved with the Vibrant Soundbridge technology.

"The Direct Drive Demonstrator offers patients the opportunity to experience the fidelity of direct drive hearing before having surgery," said Geoffrey Ball, vice president and chief technical officer of Symphonix Devices. "This is an ideal tool which allows patients an opportunity to 'test-drive' the Vibrant Soundbridge technology before buying it. We believe this will eliminate a key hurdle in the decision process."

Starting next month, the Direct Drive Demonstrator will become available at Symphonix Centers of Excellence worldwide.

About Symphonix

Founded in 1994, Symphonix Devices, Inc. is a hearing technology company dedicated to developing a family of products to improve communication ability and quality of life for the millions of hearing-impaired people limited by current hearing solutions.

Symphonix' Vibrant® Soundbridge™ is a surgical implant designed to work with the natural structures of the middle ear to enhance hearing and communication ability for people with hearing impairment. The device can be implanted during a short, outpatient surgical procedure. More information about Symphonix can be found at www.symphonix.com or by calling (800) 833-7733.

Further information on potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results is included in the Company's Form 10-K for the 2000 fiscal year and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Symphonix and Vibrant are registered trademarks of Symphonix Devices, Inc. Soundbridge is a trademark of Symphonix Devices, Inc.