Using implants in everyday life
Wearing an implant can greatly improve communication for deaf children and young people, but certain situations require extra care.
This guide covers tips for safe use in everyday situations, as well as guidance on communicating without the implant and connecting to assistive technologies.
Using sound processors in different situations
Swimming and bathing
Most sound processors are not waterproof. Some are water resistant, meaning they can handle rain, sweat or beach activities. However, they should never be fully submerged in water.
Waterproof kits are available for most cochlear implant sound processors, allowing a child or young person to wear them while swimming. Check with your implant centre if a waterproof kit is available for your model. Before buying a kit, make sure it’s compatible with the implant and battery type.
More deaf-friendly swimming advice.
Sports
Children and young people with implants can take part in most activities, but it’s best to remove the sound processor during contact sports like football or netball to avoid damage.
To protect the internal part of the implant, children and young people should wear head protection for some activities or avoid contact sports where head bumps are common, like judo, kickboxing, rugby, horse-riding and skiing.
Here are some examples of helmets which may be suitable for people with implants:
- Dropframe helmets (Fox Racing website)
- Giro Flak Helmet (Amazon)
- Cycling helmets (Halfords)
- Chloe's and Sophie's Special Ears can offer guidance on helmets.
Competitive snowboarder Spencer Faithfull tells us about his successes and the equipment and technology he uses on the slopes.
Aeroplanes and airport security
Children and young people do not need to remove their sound processors for airport security. Metal detectors and scanners will not damage implants, but the device may set off the alarm, so it’s a good idea to let airport security know about the implant.
Some implant centres offer a Patient Identification Card which you can show to airport security to let them know about implants. However, these cards are not necessary, and you can just tell airport staff about the implants when you go through security.
For flights, sound processors do not need to be turned off during take-off or landing. However, if the device has wireless or Bluetooth features, it might need to be switched to flight-safe mode.
Important: If your sound processor is rechargeable and uses lithium batteries, keep them in your carry-on luggage, as spare lithium batteries cannot be checked on a flight for safety reasons.
Becky's story
Becky's son Kenzie is profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants. She took him on a flight for the first time when he was 3, and they had a positive experience at the airport. She says, "At the check-in desk, they said we could have an extra hand luggage bag for his cochlear kit. And security made the whole process very exciting for Kenzie: as he wasn't able to go through the scanner, they took him to one side and made his ‘pat down’ a tickle game so he did not feel uncomfortable."
Sleeping
Some children find it comforting to sleep with their sound processors. While some older children may keep their processors on, younger children should never be left alone with their devices, as small parts and batteries pose choking hazards.
Tip: If your child dislikes the quiet when their processors are removed, try taking them off after they've fallen asleep.
Tip: Use a designated safe place for processors, like a special box near your child’s bed, where they can put them away and get them easily.
More about helping deaf children sleep.
Pets
Keep processors and their parts out of reach of pets, as they may chew or swallow them.
Communicating without technology
There may be times when a child or young person needs to remove their sound processor, such as during certain activities or if it's not working properly. In these situations, it's helpful use other communication methods, like visual signals, writing or sign language.
Keeping sound processors on babies and toddlers
Getting young children to wear hearing devices consistently can be a challenge for many parents. We have tips and recommendations for accessories that can help.
See our top tips on getting young children to wear their sound processors.
Connecting to assistive technologies
All current sound processors have Bluetooth, so they can connect wirelessly to things like phones, computers, alerting systems and more.
Some processors also connect to compatible technology using a streamer or other device. Find out more about assistive technology.
For advice about your specific device and its compatibility with other technology, contact our Helpline.
Full references for this webpage are available by emailing
informationteam@ndcs.org.uk