Doing something different?

Caring for your sound processor when you are out of your normal routine

For most people, summer includes a break from work or school and the chance to change things up for a while. Maybe you are planning some travel, a trip to the beach or going camping. Or perhaps you prefer relaxing in the shade and watching the world go by.
Whatever your plans, remember your sound processor may need a little extra care for you to get the most out of your hearing, especially if you will be outdoors or in a hotter climate.

Keep it clean
It’s best to put on sunscreen before you put on your sound processor and continue to be mindful when reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. The same applies to insect repellent, cosmetics, and other liquids and aerosol products. Use clean hands when handling your processor and if you get anything on your sound processor, wipe it with a microfibre cloth as well as your daily maintenance cleaning.

Keep it dry
Our latest sound processors are splash-proof, dust-proof, and water-resistant#, but exposure to salt water, chlorinated water or sweat can cause damage over time. With a Cochlear™ Aqua+ accessory you can enjoy the water for up to two hours and at a depth of up to three metres.*

If it’s humid, or if you work up a bit of a sweat, wipe your device with a dry, clean cloth and store it in its drying unit when you take it off during your shower and overnight.

Your drying unit is specifically designed to remove moisture and humidity from your processor. If you use a Kanso 2 Sound Processor, your Home Charger includes a dehumidifying function.

Keep it out of direct sunlight
It’s best to protect your sound processor from extreme temperatures or long periods of direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in the car, where it can get very hot (and nor should you put it in the fridge!). When not in use, keep your device in its storage case.

Keep the sand out
After a day at the beach, make sure to complete your daily maintenance and clean your sound processor at the end of the day. Pay special attention to check for sand, dust or other small granules.

Keep it secure
With so many opportunities to get active – rides at an amusement park, splashing in the ocean, and other outdoor sports – a retention device will help keep your sound processor secure for your adventures.

Susan, a Nucleus 8 recipient and adventurous hiker, says “I have hybrid hearing, so my processors are retained by my ear moulds. If I did not have ear moulds, I would use a retention band or clips to hold them to my shirt. I wouldn’t want to risk having them fly off over a cliff if I hit a branch, took my hat off, knocked them off, or if I slipped and fell.”

Keep spare accessories
If you are going away from home, remember to pack the essentials you need to stay on air, such as spare batteries and microphone protectors, depending on your type of sound processor.

Visit the online store now to stock up on what you will need.

#The Cochlear Nucleus 8 Sound Processor is dust and water resistant to level IP68 of the International Standard IEC60529. The Nucleus 8 Sound Processor was tested to a depth of up to 1 metre for up to 1 hour. Refer to the relevant user guide for more information.

The Cochlear Nucleus 7 Sound Processor is dust and water resistant to level IP57 of the International Standard IEC60529 when using a rechargeable battery module and level IP54 when using a disposable battery module.

The Cochlear Nucleus Kanso 2 Sound Processor is dust and water resistant to level of IP68 of the International Standard IEC60529.

The Cochlear Nucleus Kanso Sound Processor is dust and water resistant to level IP54 of the International Standard IEC60529.

The Cochlear Osia 2 Sound Processor, with battery compartment excluded, is dust and water resistant to level IP57 of the International Standard IEC60529. The Osia 2 Sound Processor with Aqua+ is water resistant to level IP68 when used with LR44 alkaline or nickel metal hydride disposable batteries. Refer to the relevant user guide for more information.

The Cochlear Baha 6 Max Sound Processor, with battery compartment excluded, is dust and water resistant to level IP68 of the International Standard IEC60529. Refer to the relevant user guide for more information.

The Cochlear Baha 5 Sound Processor and Baha 5 Power Sound Processor, with battery compartment excluded, are dust and water resistant to level IP63 of the International Standard IEC60529. Refer to the relevant user guide for more information.

The Cochlear Baha 5 SuperPower Sound Processor is dust and water resistant to level IP57 of the International Standard IEC60529. Refer to the relevant user guide for more information.

* The Aqua Accessory and the Aqua+ sleeve are dust and water resistant to level IP68 of the International Standard IEC60529 and can be continuously submerged under water to a depth of up to 3 metres for up to 2 hours. Refer to the relevant User Guide for more information. 

Help us improve Cochlear Family News.
How did you find this article?

Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.

For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.