Caring for Your Cochlear Implant System 31
connector. Care should be taken to avoid the following:
!" Dropping the Processor.
!" Leaving the Processor any place where it can come in contact with water or moisture. Remember to remove the Processor and headpiece when bathing, showering, or swimming
!" Exposing the Processor to extreme temperatures (below 32# Fahrenheit [0# Celsius] or above 115# Fahrenheit [45# Celsius]).
!" Static electricity has the potential of damaging the electrical components of the Processor. Care should be taken to avoid situations in which static electricity is commonly created such as when pulling on and off clothes or walking across a wool rug. If static electricity is present, patients should touch something conductive (e.g., a metal object) prior to handling the external equipment or before their cochlear implant system contacts another person or object. Children should remove their headpiece and Processor before engaging in activities that commonly create static electricity, such as playing on plastic play equipment.
While the Processor has been built to be as sturdy as possible, it should be treated with gentle care and attention. Additionally, you should check your cable regularly (every week or so) to see if it is frayed or damaged. If your cable appears to be damaged, it should be replaced.
Implant Protection
The implant is capable of withstanding the effects of running, exercise and normal activity. Regardless of the activity, precautions must be taken in order to avoid a blow to the head, which could result in damage to the implanted device resulting in device failure.
WARNING: When engaging in physical activities that include the possibility of trauma or impact, extra precautions should be taken, such as using a protective helmet, to reduce the risk of damage to the implant. Contact sports in which blows to the head or impact at the implant site are likely to occur should be avoided. If it is suspected that the device has been damaged, call your audiologist.
