Cycling, snowboarding, horse riding, skateboarding … they’re great for an active lifestyle and, with safety a priority, it’s important to wear a helmet. But it’s just as important to be able to hear – whether it’s listening to your teammates or staying safe while biking on busy roads.
“The truth is, I didn’t always feel safe riding with hearing loss. It can be a real hazard if you can’t hear fellow cyclists on the trails,” says avid cyclist Caroline , who lives in Canada.
“I was worried when I was implanted if I’d need to give up biking. How would a helmet fit over my sound processor without having to cut the foam, which would compromise the integrity of the helmet?”
But there was no need to worry. Caroline’s Cochlear™ Nucleus® Kanso® Sound Processor fits easily under her helmet.
“With my sound processor, my experience on the bike has been incredible and has opened a whole new world.”
Here are some tips for wearing a helmet with your sound processor.
1. Choose the right helmet
Wear a helmet designed for the specific activity you’re pursuing. Try different sizes and brands until you find one that fits and leaves your sound processor secure. When it comes to hard-shell helmets – the kind people wear for cycling – the main thing to remember is that you should not make any physical alteration to the helmet as it could reduce the protection it provides.
2. Secure your device
Find a way to keep your device securely in place when putting the helmet on or taking it off.
A thin sweatband worn around your head works well and is particularly popular with people who wear Nucleus® Kanso®, Kanso® 2 or Osia® 2 sound processors. Another option is a thin skull cap that goes over the crown of the head and covers the sound processor. Both are widely available at sports equipment retailers.
A third option is to use Cochlear™ Safety Cords which are compatible with Nucleus® 8 and all Kanso® sound processors.
3. Choose a processor that’s secure
Cochlear™ sound processors are designed to be comfortable and secure for people who are into sports and being active.
Kanso® 2 is a great choice for active people. It’s designed to stay on your head for daily life and light exercise; and it’s already splashproof, so you don’t need to worry about cycling in the rain or getting a bit sweaty! If you have something more strenuous in mind, or want to feel more secure, try a Cochlear™ Safety Line. There are two types: one that attaches to your clothing and another that attaches to the hair.
Meanwhile, if you’re out on the road, or enjoying intense sports, the Cochlear™ headband is the best way to keep your Kanso® 2 in place.
Do you lead an active lifestyle? Keep your cochlear implant protected while you enjoy your favourite activities.
