Things to consider when doing sports with a cochlear implant

Anyone with a cochlear implant can enjoy practically all leisure activities - including sport. However, there are a few tips and tricks to help protect the audio processor.

The right equipment

For sporting activities that involve a lot of movement, such as running or jumping, the audio processor can also be attached for extra security. Although the coil of the processor is held magnetically to the head, headbands or hair clips can help to ensure a secure hold even during increased movement.

A normal headband that is placed over the audio processor is sufficient for this. However, there are also special hair clips for sports with a cochlear implant, which are anchored to the processor and then fixed in the hair, or headbands with an extra compartment or fastening loop for the audio processor.

Protection against sweat and water

Most audio processors are now at least splash-proof. The most modern ones are even completely waterproof. Increased sweating or jogging in the rain should therefore not be a problem. Ask your CI manufacturer about this.

As audio processors are complex and valuable technical devices, it is nevertheless advisable to take precautions. This is why most manufacturers offer extra waterproof protective covers that ensure optimum safety when swimming.

Find the best helmet

A helmet should always be worn when skiing, cycling, mountaineering or climbing. This also applies to people who do not wear a cochlear implant when doing sports.

With CI, however, it can sometimes be difficult to find the perfect helmet. When choosing a helmet, you should make sure that the audio processor does not pinch and that hearing is not restricted by the helmet shell or lining. Helmets with soft ear pieces are often suitable for this.

Agree with the team

Especially in team sports, hearing is an essential part of the dynamic. Commands, instructions and shouts are usually simply part of the game. The entire team should therefore be informed about any hearing problems or the cochlear implant so that they can be considerate.