Maintaining bone conduction implants

We recommend you perform a daily check to identify any issues with the bone conduction implants. Many problems are simple to fix.

The implant team will show you how to check the sound processor.

If you notice a problem during your daily check, contact the implant centre for advice.

Check batteries and battery contacts

• Make sure you’re using the battery type recommended by the implant team.
• Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly.
• Check battery power levels. If the sound processor uses button batteries, there may be a tester available to check battery levels.
• Check that the battery contacts are clean and not rusty. If they are damaged, contact the implant centre.

Learn about battery safety.

Check abutment (if relevant)

If the implant has an abutment, you should check that this is held firmly in the skull and does not become loose.

The implant team will tell you who to contact if the abutment needs tightening. You should be offered an appointment with the implant service to tighten their abutment within 48 hours.

Check the skin and implant site

Check the skin around the implant site and look for:

• redness
• swelling
• discharge
• bad smells
• sign of injury (like bleeding or bruising)

If you notice any signs, contact your GP and your implant team. GPs can prescribe antibiotics to fight off infection.

Use soap and water daily to keep the site clean.

Each implant manufacturer has its own guidelines on how to clean the sound processor. For light dirt, most recommend simply wiping with a dry cloth.

Check with the implant team or manufacturer for specific cleaning instructions.

Batteries need to be replaced regularly, typically at least once a week, depending on how the wearer uses the device. Battery life can vary with different settings.

Important: Batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed. If you think a child may have swallowed a battery or inserted it into their ear or nose, take them to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. Bring the battery packaging with you so that the doctors know what they’re dealing with.

More about battery safety.

Most sound processors come with a ‘dry box’ to remove light moisture, such as sweat or condensation. Be sure to put the processor in the dry box overnight.

Dry boxes can be electronic or non-electronic. Non-electronic dry boxes have moisture-absorbing pellets or tabs.

If you do not have a dry box on hand, put the processor in a box of dry rice overnight.

If the sound processor becomes fully submerged in water, contact the implant centre for advice.

NHS devices

NHS sound processors and other devices are provided on permanent loan and remain the property of the NHS. You’re responsible for taking good care of them.

The implant team will give you accessories and advice to help secure the processors and prevent loss.

If the processors are lost or broken, or if the internal implant is damaged, your implant team will guide you on what to do.

The NHS may charge for lost or damaged equipment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but charges are generally waived for children’s and teenager's sound processors. Check with your implant centre if charges would apply for lost processors and how much these would be. Families receiving certain welfare benefits are exempt. Since each processor costs the NHS over £1,500, it’s important to keep them safe.

Tips for parents: For some sound processors, you can use a smartphone app to track it using GPS. This can be especially useful if your child has a habit of removing their processors. The implant service can help you set up the app on your smartphone if it's available for your child's implants.

Private implants

If you have implants from a private provider, you’re responsible for all repair and replacement costs. If they are insured, contact your insurance company to file a claim.

New devices and improved technology typically become available every 5 years. Your implant centre will notify you when it's time for an upgrade to the speech processor. However, you'll usually only be offered a new or upgraded device through the NHS if it provides features not available on your current device.

NHS sound processors cannot be insured as they are NHS property. However, some people choose to insure against the risk of being charged for loss or damage. Most household insurance policies cover this – just be sure to list the sound processors as a named item.

If you’re travelling abroad, you can purchase travel insurance to cover the processor and other external implant parts. Some implant centres offer a holiday loan kit with a spare softband and spare processor in case yours gets damaged or lost while travelling.