Re: Newbie with a question (waterproofing)

[Guest guest]

--- In Listen-Up , " McMurtrey "

> Note to the parent that posted about the waterproof bags, please

specify your device type, I think that may make a difference and if

the child is wearing it underwater or playing in shallow water.

Someone else posted that waterproof equipment was being developed by

one of the implant companies, any news on this?

,

The only device type that the waterproofing will work for is the

Nucleus Sprint body-worn processor. This is because the ear-level

microphone can be eliminated and a waterproof lapel mic used instead

(the coil is waterproof.) It won't work for the Clarion body worn

because the headpiece contains the coil and mic together, and it

won't work for any brand BTE processor.

You brought up some excellent points about being careful about not

voiding the warranty. Cochlear's position on the use of the Aquapac

waterproof bag is the following: they support its use for near-

water and beach activities because it could protect the processor in

case of an accidental dunking. However, they do NOT condone

swimming with the Aquapac, and if they learn that you have done it,

they will not honor their repair warranty. (To answer your other

question, my son swims underwater and jumps into deep water with it

on.)

Our son uses the 3G BTE primarily, and it's under warranty, but our

warranty expired for the Sprint body worn. I am fully aware of the

risk I am taking by putting the body worn in the Aquapac. I wrap it

tightly in plastic wrap and triple-check the seals before I put it

in the water. (It also helps that the air inside the bag creates

positive pressure when submerged, as opposed to a vacuum, so water

does not " want " to get in.)

HOWEVER, if I lived far from my implant center and it was our only

processor, I would DEFINITELY buy the extended warranty for it, and

would NOT use it in the water.

One parent posted on the cicircle that Cochlear sells refurbished

Sprint body worn processors for $1500. He bought an extra one just

for swimming.

Our audiologist said she heard that waterproof processors are coming

in about 3 years. I saw a picture of a waterproof MP3 player

recently, so I am thinking it wouldn't be that hard to do.

Lydia

[Guest guest]

--- In Listen-Up , " McMurtrey "

> Note to the parent that posted about the waterproof bags, please

specify your device type, I think that may make a difference and if

the child is wearing it underwater or playing in shallow water.

Someone else posted that waterproof equipment was being developed by

one of the implant companies, any news on this?

,

The only device type that the waterproofing will work for is the

Nucleus Sprint body-worn processor. This is because the ear-level

microphone can be eliminated and a waterproof lapel mic used instead

(the coil is waterproof.) It won't work for the Clarion body worn

because the headpiece contains the coil and mic together, and it

won't work for any brand BTE processor.

You brought up some excellent points about being careful about not

voiding the warranty. Cochlear's position on the use of the Aquapac

waterproof bag is the following: they support its use for near-

water and beach activities because it could protect the processor in

case of an accidental dunking. However, they do NOT condone

swimming with the Aquapac, and if they learn that you have done it,

they will not honor their repair warranty. (To answer your other

question, my son swims underwater and jumps into deep water with it

on.)

Our son uses the 3G BTE primarily, and it's under warranty, but our

warranty expired for the Sprint body worn. I am fully aware of the

risk I am taking by putting the body worn in the Aquapac. I wrap it

tightly in plastic wrap and triple-check the seals before I put it

in the water. (It also helps that the air inside the bag creates

positive pressure when submerged, as opposed to a vacuum, so water

does not " want " to get in.)

HOWEVER, if I lived far from my implant center and it was our only

processor, I would DEFINITELY buy the extended warranty for it, and

would NOT use it in the water.

One parent posted on the cicircle that Cochlear sells refurbished

Sprint body worn processors for $1500. He bought an extra one just

for swimming.

Our audiologist said she heard that waterproof processors are coming

in about 3 years. I saw a picture of a waterproof MP3 player

recently, so I am thinking it wouldn't be that hard to do.

Lydia

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: Lydia Gregoret

(the coil is waterproof.)

Lydia,

I don't mean to nit pick but while the coil and wires are plastic covered the

connection between the 2 pieces is not waterproof. The metal prongs and holes

could get wet, especially if they get pulled apart even a little. I know some

people who won't even put a coil on wet hair (I do take that risk). I also

would worry about the plastic being exposed to pool chemicals or salt as that

might cause them to break down. I bet you do check the wire and coil careful

each time.

Again, I'm not judging your decision to go for it, I just want to make sure that

people reading these posts think about all of the issues and make an informed

decision.

I do think that canoeing can go back on my family activities list now that I've

thought about how we could protect her processor from the risk of tumping over

(Arkansas for tipping over for those of you from elsewhere). Thanks.

Mom to 12 hormonal and not listening too, 7 (n24 4/00) and

4

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: Lydia Gregoret

(the coil is waterproof.)

Lydia,

I don't mean to nit pick but while the coil and wires are plastic covered the

connection between the 2 pieces is not waterproof. The metal prongs and holes

could get wet, especially if they get pulled apart even a little. I know some

people who won't even put a coil on wet hair (I do take that risk). I also

would worry about the plastic being exposed to pool chemicals or salt as that

might cause them to break down. I bet you do check the wire and coil careful

each time.

Again, I'm not judging your decision to go for it, I just want to make sure that

people reading these posts think about all of the issues and make an informed

decision.

I do think that canoeing can go back on my family activities list now that I've

thought about how we could protect her processor from the risk of tumping over

(Arkansas for tipping over for those of you from elsewhere). Thanks.

Mom to 12 hormonal and not listening too, 7 (n24 4/00) and

4

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The original invention calls for gasket sealant between the coil and

wire. However, at least one user on cicircle said he never uses the

sealant and it works just fine. Also, we have a spare coil, so I

just don't worry about it too much.

There are quite a few families who use the Aquapac, and everyone has

made their own little modifications. It all works quite well,

really, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is worried it will

leak, or feels they might not be able to figure out how to put it

together. It wouldn't be worth the worry. I think the people who

do decide to try it are generally aware of what the risks are. I

mean, it takes some effort and $$ to get all the parts for it, so

there is a lot of time for thinking if it is something one feels

comfortable doing. (It works kind-of like a handgun waiting

period ;-)

Our audiologist actually passed the Aquapac system around at our

local cochlear implant club meeting last month. (The topic was CIs

and sports.) I figure if she has the confidence to do that, it must

be a fairly robust and fool-proof waterproofing method!

Lydia

, N24C 1/01, now almost 8

Colin, almost 11, hearing