Why I love using Roger hearing technology in the summer
July 19, 2017
Short film ‘The Silent Child’ premieres in August to raise deaf awareness
July 21, 2017Why we chose a waterproof cochlear implant for our child
When choosing a manufacturer and model of a cochlear implant for our son, Harry, there were a variety of options. One of the most important factors to us was that we wanted it to be waterproof.
This led us to choose the Advanced Bionics (AB) Neptune. Here is why we chose a waterproof cochlear implant for our son.
Why a waterproof cochlear implant was important to us
Having a waterproof option was so important to us because Harry loves being in the water so much. We would go swimming with him a lot. He was always in and out of the water especially during the summer. We also didn’t want to worry about his cochlear implants getting wet at his childminder (daycare). The waterproof option really puts our minds at ease.
I also think it is safer, especially for a child who is not a confident swimmer. Harry will be able to listen for instructions and shout for help if he is in trouble in the water.
There is no extra equipment or extra care
The processors on the AB Neptunes are totally waterproof, which is amazing! The headpieces aren’t all waterproof, but there is a waterproof set of headpieces. All you have to do is plug them in and they are ready to go. They work in the exact same way as the non-waterproof version they just have more protection and grip to help them stay on.
We don’t have to do anything special other than shaking the microphone a bit to get rid of any excess water. We always keep them away in a dry box overnight anyway to make sure any moisture is dried out.
There really isn’t anything extra involved in caring for the AB Neptunes which is the beauty of them! This includes not having any special equipment we have to take on holiday with us at all, so no heavy hand luggage and no worrying around the pool!
The cochlear implants can be fully submerged
They are able to be completely submerged under water. We get funny looks from people when we go swimming because they are worried about his equipment getting wet! It’s incredible to think that an electrical piece of equipment can go fully under water!
Having cochlear implants that are waterproof will be so beneficial when he starts swimming lessons because he will be able to hear his instructor without having to rely on lip reading and sign.
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