Calendar reminders and a specially chosen backpack are just two ways that Evan and his dad Brian use to keep this 11-year old’s sound processors and accessories well organised.
Evan received his first Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 Sound Processors in 2010, when he was just a year old and upgraded to Nucleus® 6 Sound Processors in 2015. Today he has Nucleus® 7 Sound Processors.
Along the way, Evan and his dad have refined their technique for caring for Evan’s sound processors.
“We originally used the Cochlear insulated lunch bag with his Nucleus 5 to manage the extra accessories and backup components. When Evan moved to the Nucleus 6, we started using the Cochlear padded briefcase, which was great,” explains Brian.
“When Evan moved to the Nucleus 7, we needed a more robust storage solution because we were now managing legacy accessories and components for the Nucleus 5 and 6, as well as the 7.”
Choosing a backpack
“While searching for a solution, I came across camera backpacks. They offered a durable exterior, flexible padded interior storage compartments – which are typically a bright colour – and, of course, straps for hands-free transport,” says Brian.
“I am able to store all of Evan’s Nucleus 5, 6 and 7 accessories and backup components in one location for quick access at home or while traveling.”
Brian also feels it’s important for Evan to take just the right amount of responsibility for his sound processors.
“Evan handles a lot of responsibility for his hardware. He manages his wake-up and bedtime routines with his processors. He also advocates for himself at school. Evan can also do basic trouble-shooting activities,” says Brian.
To keep Evan’s processors in top condition, Brian and Evan have regular routines.
“We place Evan’s processors in a dehumidifier* each night. We find this is very helpful in the summer months when he sweats more.”
“We change the mic covers and the dehumidifier desiccant packs every three months, per recommendation. His processors get cleaned periodically with a soft cloth. I also inspect them on occasion with a magnifier to make sure everything looks ok.”
Calendar reminders
Calendar reminders help Brian and Evan stay on track. “I create a recurring event to change microphone covers and change dehumidifier desiccant packs. All of Evan’s appointments go into the calendar as well,” Brian says.
As a keen swimmer, Evan gets a lot of use from his Aqua+ accessories. “They get very heavy use in the summer months,” says Brian.
Using Aqua+ silicone sleeves, the sound processors become waterproof. The sleeves offer protection in water up to three metres deep for two hours.
Brian’s tips for any parent of a child with cochlear implants are simple: “Patience, organisation and educating yourself on the hardware helps a lot. It’s also important to remember that everything is going to be ok.”
For more information about Aqua+ and other Cochlear accessories.
_____
References
*For dry aid kits to remove moisture and humidity from your sound processor, visit the Cochlear online store or contact customer service. Sound processors are not approved for use in other dehumidifying devices.
The Nucleus 7 Sound Processor with Aqua+ and Aqua+ Coil is water resistant to level IP68 of the International Standard IEC60529 when you use a Cochlear Standard Rechargeable Battery Module or Cochlear Compact Rechargeable Battery Module. Refer to the relevant User Guide for more information.
