Recent advances in cochlear implants have enabled some of us to go swimming with our ears on. Advanced Bionics’ Neptune is the only waterproof processor. But not everybody has one, or is in a position to get one.
Cochlear’s Aqua Accessory is a single-use plastic bag designed for the Nucleus 5 processor. Usable for up to one or two hours, depending on your location, “Your Nucleus Global Limited Warranty will not be void in circumstances where the Aqua Accessory is used in water with a CP800 series sound processor only, in accordance with the Aqua Accessory instructions.”
The Aqua Accessory’s position on the ear makes sense for a BTE processor, but may not be the best location for water activities. Because it is a big flap extending behind your ear, it can come off when you jump in the water. It’s certainly a good idea to use a tether at a minimum, and a swim cap and goggles are even better.
The aLOKSAK bag from LOKSAK is hermetic and certified waterproof up to 200 feet (60 meters) depth. You can put your processor in a reusable aLOKSAK bag, and tuck the bag under a Nammu swim hat. Dive, jump, surf, and splash all day long!
Because this solution doesn’t come from the cochlear implant manufacturers, use it at your own risk. However, we have tested this in lots of situations, including on the incredible FlowRider.
Surf until you wipe out, then 35,000 gallons of water per minute carries you to the top of the ramp and over the lip, where you hit the padded wall. And the Nammu swim hat never comes off!
The aLOKSAK/Nammu combination works with any BTE processor, and also MED-EL’s one-piece RONDO. The smallest bag, aLOK3-3X6, is large enough to hold any recent BTE processor and headpiece.
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