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Three tips for keeping your cochlear implant on the air this festive season

Get tips on how to stay on the air with your cochlear implant during the festive season.
Teenagers with cochlear implants chatting in a park

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  • Hearing

We know how busy preparing for the festive season can be, and if you have a cochlear implant it's particularly important to plan ahead to make sure you or your loved ones have all they need to stay on the air—whether it’s from the campground, in the pool, or abroad.

1. Keep your processor dry

Cochlear implant sound processor components are sensitive to moisture so it's important to keep them dry.

Sound processors come with a drying unit/kit, which acts as a dehumidifier. These typically contain desiccant bricks (such as Dry-Briks) that capture moisture, and these need to be replaced approximately every two months.

Many cochlear implant processors cannot be submerged in water for long periods and require a waterproof cover when swimming. Remember to also use a tether string when swimming so you don't lose your processor.

Cochlear implant tips for the festive season: Keep your processor dry poster

2. Keep spare parts handy

Remember to have spare parts for your processor on hand so you can change parts if needed while you are away or during the NextSense Christmas closure period. Make sure you have spare:

  • Batteries
  • Microphone covers
  • Coil and cable.

Order your parts now if needed. Many initial sound processor kits have adapters so battery chargers can be used overseas.

Cochlear implant tips for the festive season: Keep spare parts handy poster

3. Check for discomfort

Cochlear implants have magnets that help keep the coil in place during daily activities and these are available in different strengths.

If you experience discomfort under your coil, you can switch to a weaker magnet or use an adhesive soft pad on the back to distribute pressure evenly and maximise the contact surface.

Cochlear implant tips for the festive season: Check for discomfort poster

Urgent device support over the holiday period

NextSense centres will be closed from close of business Friday 20 December 2024, reopening on Thursday 9 January 2025. We continue to offer urgent device support for our Cochlear Implant Services clients during business hours. Details are below.

Email: cisadmin@nextsense.org.au
Phone: 02 9872 0950
Text: 0451 562 273