As we head into Christmas and the summer holidays, life gets busy – travel, visitors, hot weather, late nights, loud gatherings.
If you use a cochlear implant, a bit of planning can make a big difference to how well things go over the break.
We’ve prepared “12 Days of Christmas Cochlear Implant Care” – simple, practical tips to help you look after your device (and yourself) over summer.
🎄12 Days of Christmas Cochlear Implant Care 🎅🏽
🎶 Day 1: Clean & Dry (Every Day) 🎁
Start the holidays with good habits. Wipe your processor and coil with a soft, dry cloth at the end of the day, and pop them in the dry kit or dehumidifier overnight (following the manufacturer’s instructions).
🎶 Day 2: Watch the Heat 🥵
Kiwi summers are hot. Don’t leave your processor in the car, on a sunny windowsill, or on the dashboard. When it’s not on your head, keep it in a cool, shaded spot.
🎶 Day 3: Sweat & Sport ⚾️
Walking, gardening, backyard cricket – summer is sweaty. If you’re active, think about a sweatband, hat, or sports cover to keep moisture and sunscreen away from your device.
🎶 Day 4: Water Wise 🏖️
Pools, the beach and lakes are great – but most processors aren’t water-proof. If you have waterproof gear, use it exactly as recommended. If you don’t, take your processor off before you swim and store it safely.
🎶 Day 5: Battery Check 🪫
Don’t get caught out at the bach or campground. Charge your batteries before you go, pack extras, and keep a small battery case in your bag or glovebox.
🎶 Day 6: Make a Travel Kit 🚘
Heading away? Put together a small CI travel kit: spare batteries, coil, cable, magnet, cleaning tools, and your dry kit. Keep it in your hand luggage, not your checked bag.
🎶 Day 7: Be Ready for Noise 💥
BBQs, carols, fireworks and family gatherings can be loud and tiring. Use your remote control or app to adjust settings, switch to a “noisy places” programme if you have one, and don’t be afraid to step outside for a quiet break.
🎶 Day 8: Phones, TV & Apps 📱
If you stream from your phone, tablet or TV, check everything is paired and working before the holidays really kick off. Update your apps while you’ve got time and Wi-Fi.
🎶 Day 9: Quick Safety Check ⛑️
Once a week, give your gear a once-over. Look for cracked cables, loose parts, or tape holding things together that really should be replaced. If something doesn’t look right, contact your clinic or manufacturer support.
🎶 Day 10: Night-Time Routine 💤
Before bed, switch your processor off properly, wipe it down, store it in a safe place away from pets and small kids, and use your dry kit. If you take it off for a nap, put it somewhere you’ll remember – not in a pocket or on the arm of a chair.
🎶 Day 11: Give Yourself a Break 😌
Listening all day can be tiring. It’s okay to take your processor off for a while if you need a rest, especially after big social days. Let the people around you know, and agree on a way to get your attention.
🎶 Day 12: Stay Connected 📧
If you’re worried about your device, have questions about upgrades or repairs, or just want some support, remember you’re not on your own. Reach out to your implant clinic, manufacturer, or the Pindrop Foundation team – we’re here for you.
