Ask Linn - Sports and Summer Travel

Q. My son wears the Nucleus Freedom and plays soccer.  What is the best way to protect his Freedom sound processor from moisture and from getting bumped off while he is on the soccer field?

A. The Freedom processor was designed for moisture resistance so   perspiration and splashing water shouldn’t be a problem. You will want to ensure that the microphone protector is changed periodically, especially when engaging in activities that will expose the processor to excess moisture.  To help protect the external and internal components of your son’s cochlear implant from impacts during strenuous sports like soccer, you might want to consider purchasing a helmet designed for that sport.

There are a variety of helmets available through local sporting goods stores or online sources.  To find online sources, go to a search engine such as http://www.google.com/ or http://www.yahoo.com/ and enter “soccer helmets” in the search field.

A good website with general information about helmets for many different types of activities or sports can be found at the following link:
http://www.helmets.org/other.htm

Cochlear implant recipients using hard shell helmets such as those designed for bicycle riding sometimes report problems getting the hel met on over their external components. 

There are several options readily available in sporting goods stores that work well for some cochlear implant recipients.  One might purchase a thin
”sweat band” to place around the forehead and over the coil and the top of the processor or microphone.  Another option is a thin “skull cap” that slips onto the crown of the head covering the external BTE components.  The helmet will then slide on more easily without knocking off the cochlear implant equipment. 

It is not a good idea to physically alter a helmet because it may no longer provide adequate protection from a blow to the head around the implant site.

Those recipients whose processors are not moisture resistant can protect them by using a moisture barrier over the BTE processor or microphone.  One product that has worked well for many cochlear implant recipients is called Hearing Aid Sweat Bands.  It can be purchased from businesses that offer products for individuals with hearing loss.  Here are some examples of vendors who carry Hearing Aid Sweat Bands:

http://vanbenterprises.com/ 
http://www.harc.com/
http://www.soundbytes.com/

Whether your sound processor is moisture resistant or not, the Dry and Store is an ideal place to store the equipment when it is not in use.  The circulating warm air will dry the moisture that has built up on the processor and microphone during the day.  It will prolong the life of your external components and prevent future downtime and repair costs.

To purchase: http://store.cochlearproducts.com/fuz150.html

If you need further information and tips for cochlear implant users who wish to make the most of summer fun and vacation travel, please see the following links in our website Support Center:

http://www.cochlearamericas.com/support/345.asp

http://www.cochlearamericas.com/support/357.asp

http://www.cochlearamericas.com/support/348.asp