Here are five ways to take care of your cochlear implant over summer.

1. Spare parts

Check that you have a spare coil, coil cable, battery unit, and earhooks, as soon as possible, in case you lose a part over the holiday break. These parts can also be used to troubleshoot a faulty processor.

Order spare parts now

To order a spare part, if you are an eligible Hearing Australia client, visit the Hearing Australia website at www.hearing.com.au, or phone 1800 131 339.

To receive support through the National Relay Service (NRS) dial 133677 then contact Hearing Australia on 1800 131 339.

Or

You can also purchase spare parts directly from:

• Cochlear at 1800 620 929 or customerservice@cochlear.com
• MED-El at 1300 744 782 or office@medel.com.au
• Advanced Bionics at (02) 8858 1600 or customerservice.au@advancedbionics.com

If you have NDIS funding and are unsure how to purchase parts, please contact ndis@nextsense.org.au.

2. Keep your processor dry

Use your Dry & Store every night to remove moisture and sanitise your processor.

Replace the drying crystals regularly. Either DriBrik or CEDIS capsules are appropriate.

3. Retention and waterproofing the processor

To avoid losing your processor, consider using one of the many devices available to help keep your processor firmly in place. These include headbands, clips, tie-lines, snugfits, and huggies.

For swimming or water activities there is a great range of waterproof options that allow you to swim while still using your processor.

Contact your local NextSense centre for more information.

4. Air travel tips

If you plan to travel by plane, be sure to take your patient ID card.

You can walk through the metal detectors and full body scanners with your processor on. But, to avoid any potential buzzing sounds as you pass through, you may wish to take it off.

Pack spare parts and your spare processor in your luggage. Take plenty of batteries and a charger if you are using rechargeable batteries.

Check with your airline about their policy for carrying batteries and whether you can take them in carry-on or checked-in luggage.

Make sure you know the location of the nearest clinics at your destination just in case you need emergency assistance. Find this information on the Cochlear, MED-EL and Advanced Bionics websites.

Insure your processor for accidental loss, theft, or damage. NextSense can provide a valuation letter for your home contents provider if required.

5. Magnet strength and cochlear implant sound processors

The magnet that keeps your transmitting coil in place can be replaced with a stronger or weaker one, depending on your needs.

If you have any discomfort, pain, or burning in the area under your transmitting coil, please have someone check it to make sure there is no inflammation or broken skin and contact your clinic to discuss changing your magnet strength.

It’s a good idea to check this area regularly, particularly if you have lost weight, as the skin can become a little thinner and a weaker magnet may be sufficient to hold the coil in place.

A pressure sore can develop if your magnet is too strong, so make sure you have the appropriate magnet strength to keep the coil firmly on your head without causing discomfort or damage.

Cochlear SOFTPADS or moleskin can also be used to soften the underside of the coil if you are between two magnet strengths or find that the coil causes irritation.

NextSense will be closed from COB Friday 23 December 2022 and reopens on Thursday 12 January 2023.

If you require urgent device support during business hours over our closure period, please call or SMS 0423 798 279 or email cisadmin@nextsense.org.au.