Cochlear Implants have become a very important medical device specially for persons with severe to profound hearing loss. Cochlear Implants are generally suggested for those who are not benefiting from even the best suited hearing aids also.
Cochlear Implants have provided a completely new world of sounds to these patients. Cochlear Implants are nowadays very sophisticated and marvel in engineering technology. They are becoming smaller and smaller day by day. But still, there are many times patient may feel uncomfortable or may feel reduction in speech discrimination due to outside noise or disturbances. In those conditions, we audiologists help these patients with some accessories that may help them in their difficult times. These accessories ranges from a simple cable or sophisticated electronic device, according the problem person is facing.
So, I will tell about these accessories that are available in market. I will try to cover as many as possible, but if I left something, please mention in the comments below and if you can please provide the picture of same also.
1. Safety Cord:
Most of the manufacturers, whether of hearing aids or cochlear implants are providing these safety cords or retention cords in their kits. These are very helpful with as they tend to jump all day long and it will help the processor to not fall on the ground. If you didn't get in your kit, please ask your audiologist to arrange one for you as it is very helpful and also it will not cost you much.
2. Processor Covers:
There are some processor covers that are available in market, that you can use to cover the processor, it will keep your processor dry and it will not let the sweat/ oil/ dust come in direct contact of your processor. These are also available in your kits, if you don't have, please ask your audiologist to arrange or else you can also make it at home using any cloth, just need some good stitching abilities.
3. Battery Extender:
If you/ your child is feeling the processor to be heavy on his ears, you can opt for any extension cables for your batteries. It is available for most of the processor. Your audiologist must be knowing the right cable for you.
4. Processor Headband
We as audiologist, always prefer over the ear as the best location for the microphones. But sometimes, your child is not ready to wear the processor on the ear. There may be many reasons for same. In that condition, you can start with a headband. These headbands are easily available with your audiologist or you can make your also.
5. Water Proofing Options:
If you afraid that your processor may get wet while your kid play with water or in rain. You can always opt for water proofing accessories provided by most of the manufacturers for most of the processors. It will help your processor from water, dust and sweat, thus increase the life your processor.
6. Wireless Accessories:
Nowadays, processor are becoming wireless. They can now interact with the other gadgets in your environment. You get a number of wireless accessories specific to your processor. These may help you to:
- Listen and talk properly over phone
- Listening to TV
- Listening to people from a distance or in crowd or in noisy environments through remote microphones.
Remote microphones are very helpful with kids who are attending schools.
Please take good care of your processor, it will take care of you.
For any query, you can contact me through email: unicareshc@gmail.com
Thank you