Water, holidays and cochlear implants. How to prepare your child for swimming with an audio processor?
Water, holidays and cochlear implants. How to prepare your child for swimming with an audio processor?
Find out how to protect an audio processor from water and which accessories to choose for the swimming pool, beach and holidays
Holidays, swimming pools, the sea, lakes and water play are often the best part of summer for children. A child with a cochlear implant can also enjoy water activities, but the audio processor needs proper protection. Water is not only fun. Swimming supports motor development, coordination, balance, independence and confidence. For many children, it is also a great form of rehabilitation and sensory development. That is why it is worth preparing well before a holiday, a swimming pool visit or water activities.
A common question from parents is: can a child swim with an audio processor? Yes, but only if the audio processor is protected with a waterproof accessory designed for the specific device model.
Can an audio processor get wet?
An audio processor, the external part of a cochlear implant, must not be soaked or submerged without waterproof protection. This applies to the swimming pool, sea, lake, shower, fountain and intense splashing.
A child can swim without the audio processor, but then they cannot hear the surroundings, the parent’s voice or the swimming instructor’s instructions. Another option is swimming with the audio processor placed in a waterproof cover. This helps the child take part in play, hear family members and feel more confident in the water. For many families, this makes a big difference, especially during holidays, swimming lessons or group activities.
Waterproof accessories for audio processors
For swimming, you should only choose accessories designed for a specific audio processor model. SmartEar offers waterproof solutions for MED-EL audio processors.
MED-EL WaterWear is a waterproof cover for selected MED-EL audio processors, including Sonnet 1, Sonnet 2, Sonnet 3, Rondo 1, Rondo 2 and Rondo 3. It helps protect the audio processor while swimming in a pool, the sea or a lake.
The cover is placed over the audio processor and then sealed with a special single-use adhesive strip. This is a very important part of the set, as the adhesive strip helps close the pouch tightly and allows safe use of the audio processor in water.
At SmartEar, you can buy replacement adhesive strips for MED-EL WaterWear waterproof covers. It is worth keeping a spare pack before holidays, swimming pool visits, rehabilitation camps or trips. Without the correct adhesive strip, the pouch cannot be properly sealed.
- Cochlear Aqua+
Cochlear Aqua+ is a waterproof protection system for selected Cochlear audio processors, including Nucleus and Kanso models. It is useful for water play, swimming pools, the beach and holiday activities.
Before purchasing, always check the exact audio processor model, as waterproof accessories are not universal for all devices.
Batteries for swimming. What should you remember?
When using a waterproof cover, choosing the right power source is very important. Standard zinc-air batteries need access to air to work properly. Inside a waterproof pouch, air access is limited, so for swimming you should use batteries or rechargeable batteries that do not require air. This small detail is very important. Incorrect batteries may stop working after a few minutes of water play.
Neoprene swimming headband
Aqua Waterwear cover protects the audio processor from water, but during movement it is also worth keeping the device stable on the head. A neoprene swimming headband can help. A neoprene headband helps keep the audio processor and waterproof cover on the head. It reduces the risk of movement during splashing, jumping, diving and water play. It works well at the swimming pool, on the beach, by the lake and during holiday activities.
It is especially useful for active children who move a lot and need extra protection.
Swimming cap as extra support
During swimming, it is also worth considering a swimming cap. It helps keep the audio processor in the waterproof cover on the head and reduces the risk of it moving during play. A swimming cap with a comfortable tie at the back can be easily put on with the audio processor. First, put the audio processor in place, then tie the cap so that everything is stable and comfortable. A swimming cap does not replace a waterproof cover, but it is a very useful addition. It gives parents more peace of mind, especially during pool play, beach activities and holiday trips.
Safety clips to protect the audio processor from getting lost
Holidays mean lots of movement, quick changing, towels, sand, toys and water play. In these situations, it is easy to lose a small device. That is why safety clips are worth using. A safety clip helps protect the audio processor from getting lost if the device slips or moves during activity. Depending on the audio processor model, you can choose a safety clip with a carabiner, a safety clip attached to an Aqua set, a clip attached to clothing or a swimming cap, or a hair clip version.
What should you take to the swimming pool or beach?
Before going near water, it is worth preparing a small set for a child with an audio processor. The most useful items are: a waterproof Aqua set matched to the audio processor model, suitable batteries or a rechargeable battery for swimming, spare adhesive strips for WaterWear pouches, a neoprene headband or swimming cap, a safety clip, a dry case for the audio processor, a towel, a cloth for drying accessories and a drying kit for use after swimming.
After swimming, check that the audio processor, cover and accessories are clean and dry.
Swimming pool, sea or lake?
At a swimming pool, it is easier to control the situation. The water is clear, and if the audio processor in a waterproof cover slips from the head or ear, it can usually be seen and found quickly. At the sea or lake, the risk is higher. Waves, sand, deeper water, plants and lower visibility mean that if the audio processor slips off, it may result in losing a valuable device. That is why, when playing in the sea or lake, it is worth using double protection, for example a swimming cap together with a safety clip with a carabiner. After water play, clean the accessories carefully from sand, salt or dirt and dry them well. In every place, the most important things are: a well-matched waterproof cover, correct sealing, suitable batteries and regular adult supervision.
How to choose accessories for an audio processor
Before buying, check the brand and exact model of the audio processor. Different accessories fit MED-EL RONDO, MED-EL SONNET, Cochlear Nucleus and Cochlear Kanso. It is also worth checking whether the audio processor is worn behind the ear or is an off-the-ear model, and where the child will use it: in a swimming pool, in the sea, in a lake or only occasionally during holidays. If you are not sure which accessories are suitable, contact SmartEar. We will help you choose the right solution for your child’s audio processor model.
Ready for water adventures?
A child with an audio processor does not have to give up the swimming pool, the sea or holiday fun. Good preparation and proper device protection are enough. Water gives joy, freedom and development. Just make sure the audio processor is safe. Most of the essential accessories for swimming with an audio processor are available in our store, smartear.eu: waterproof covers, WaterWear adhesive strips, neoprene headbands, swimming caps, safety clips, batteries and drying accessories.
SmartEar. Safe hearing also during holiday water adventures.
