Tips

Active play and cochlear implants

	The ADVANCED BIONICS cochlear implant does not get in the way of ordinary childhood games, provided it is worn properly. However, cochlear implant teams usually advise trying to avoid any activities where a severe blow to the head is likely. Boxing, for instance, should be avoided altogether! In other very active sports, like horse-riding, football or cycling, appropriate protective headgear should be worn and it may sometimes be sensible to remove the external parts of the device. The external equipment must be taken off before the user goes swimming.
A few activities, such as sliding down a plastic slide or bouncing on a bouncy castle, can cause a build up of static electricity. (Watch children playing these games on a hot day, and you sometimes see their hair standing up. That's what we mean by static build up!) In a very few cases, static electricity has caused problems for other cochlear implant systems. Static is not likely to be a problem for the CLARION, because it is designed differently from other systems, but we would, just in case, advise taking the external parts of the CLARION off before user takes part in a 'hair raising' game!

Make sure the sound processor is in a secure location or harness, and the cable tucked away where it can't get pulled or tangled, before going play commences.

Travel and cochlear implants

Before going away, you need to make sure that you have plenty of batteries and other spares, to keep the sound processor working. You or your child will need to take the sound processor off, or switch it off, while going through the security screens at airports, and while the plane is taking off or landing.

Always carry the Patient Emergency Identification Document, and other explanatory materials, to show to airport and security officials.

CLARION^® cochlear implant centres around the world often provide back-up for a cochlear implant user from another clinic in an emergency, for instance if a sound processor breaks down.

Advanced Bionics will provide you with the appropriate contacts and information for the country you are visiting.


Telephone use


Others

• User Identification Card : carry it with you at all times
• Batterie Use batteries in rotation to prolong their life : Most users label their batteries with numbers or letters
• If a battery is not used for a long time, it should be stored in a cool place. Batteries don't last forever typically, batteries should be replaced after 1 - 2 years
• The cable between the headpiece and the processor should always be worn under clothing to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge
• Number of magnets in use in the headpiece : parents and teachers should be vigilant in checking the area of the skin under the headpiece for any signs of redness or irritation, and report these symptoms immediately to the implant centre audiologist and surgeon.