As you help your child adjust to their cochlear implant, one effective way to help integrate your child’s sound processor into your lives is to create daily routines.
If you have a very young child, packing daily equipment in a diaper bag, or using a Cochlear™ padded backpack can help to set you up for success as your child gets older. Parents also tell us that camera bags are another good option for older children.
Parent tip 1
“Camera backpacks offered a durable exterior, flexible padded interior storage compartments, which are typically a bright color and have straps for hands-free transport. I can store all of my son’s accessories and backup components in one location for quick access at home or while traveling.”- Brian, father of Evan who has a cochlear implant.
For school-age children onwards, establishing regular routines also helps them take responsibility for their sound processor. Setting up calendar reminders for when to change their microphone protectors will also keep you both on track.
Daily—how to pack your kit
What we recommend for your daily kit:
1. Spare charged batteries (for behind-the-ear sound processor).
2. Retention accessories to help prevent the sound processor from falling off.
3. The Cochlear™ Nucleus® Smart App1 also has a “find my processor” feature which is also useful.
4. Aqua+2 for water play (which might be unplanned). Although the Cochlear Nucleus 8 Nexa™ Sound Processor meets the IP68 rating for freshwater waterproof, we do recommend the Aqua+ for saltwater, rushing water, and prolonged activities.
5. Portable charger (for off-the-ear sound processors).
Nightly—charge batteries and daily maintenance
1. Write a note on your kitchen refrigerator as a reminder to charge your child’s sound processor or batteries every night (depending on whether it’s an off-the-ear or behind-the-ear device). Or set an alert on your phone, and your child’s phone if they have one. Find a reminder system that works for you until it becomes habit.
2. When your child takes off their sound processor before bed, wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth.
3. Place the sound processor in the dry kit. The dry kit will remove any moisture that your child’s device may have been exposed to during the day, which is important for ongoing care and performance. Dry kits are available on the online Cochlear Store.
4. If you know that you will be out and about for an extended period the next day, make sure your portable charger is fully charged and ready, or have fully charged back-up batteries with you.
5. Set a routine maintenance reminder
Parent tip 2
“We place my son’s processors in a dehumidifier each night. We change the mic covers and the dehumidifier desiccant packs every three months, per recommendation. I create a recurring calendar event to change microphone covers and change dehumidifier desiccant packs. All of my son’s appointments go into the calendar as well.” – Brian, father of Evan who has a cochlear implant.
Visit the online Cochlear Store for storage and care accessories.
- The Cochlear Nucleus Smart App is available on App Store and Google Play. For compatibility information visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility
- The Cochlear Nucleus 8 Nexa and Nucleus 8 Sound Processors with the rechargeable battery module and Kanso 3 Nexa and Kanso 3 Sound Processors meet the IP68 rating of the International Standard IEC60529 of freshwater waterproof. These processor configurations were tested by continuous submersion in freshwater for 60 minutes at a depth of 1 meter and functioned as intended. Cochlear offers the Aqua+ accessory for additional protection during extended water use, in salty or rushing water environments. For additional information, please refer to the appropriate user guide.1,2
