Summer 2023 Newsletter
Welcome to the Cochlear Implant Summer 2023 Newsletter!
Helo pawb / Hi everyone!
Welcome to our Summer 2023 Cochlear Implant Newsletter. We are all hoping that you are all enjoying this lovely weather we are having as much as we are. This one is a short newsletter with a few updates and general information for you.
As always please get in touch if you need anything from us.
Enjoy the summer months,
Cochlear Implant Team
BCUHB Audiology website
Did you know that we have an Audiology website that you can access? If you haven’t already please take a look at the Auditory Implant Service website, which is part of the wider BCUHB Audiology website.
The website has just been updated and has lots of information for both existing cochlear implant users and new patients who are under assessment for cochlear implant. This includes information on our user groups including dates and times and all our past newsletters. The website will also be used to post updates about the service.
Also included on the website are patient stories. We wish to thank those of you who have shared your patient story with us as this is a really useful resource that we can share with others so they can hear first-hand about the experience of being assessment and fitted with a cochlear implant. To take a look at our patient stories please follow this link and click on the patient stories tab - https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/hospital-services/audiology/auditory-implant-service/about-cochlear-implants/
If you would like to share your own patient story of your cochlear implant journey with us then please get in touch as we are always looking for more stories to share.
Ordering batteries online
Do you know that you can now order your batteries for your cochlear implant online? To do this simply go to the Audiology website and follow the link to the online ordering form.
The form will allow you to order your replacement cochlear implant batteries (675 cochlear implant blue) and also any replacement tubing you may need for your hearing aid.
Alternatively we accept battery requests by email, telephone or by dropping into the department.
Cochlear Implant User Groups
There have been some changes to the Cochlear Implant User Groups details please see details below :
|
Aintree |
First Friday of every month |
1:00pm – 3:00pm |
The Exhibition Hall (apart from on 7th July 2023 which is in Room 2.07) |
|
Wrexham |
First Wednesday of every month |
12:00pm – 2:00pm |
Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Yorke Street, Wrexham, LL13 8LP |
|
Bodelwyddan |
Second Tuesday of every month |
10:30am – 12:30pm |
Bodelwyddan Community Centre, Ronaldsway, Bodelwyddan, LL18 5TE |
Virtual User Group
We are delighted to announce that Nicole Da Rocha of Advanced Bionics has kindly agreed to return to our next virtual user group on Tuesday 18th July at 10.30am. In July 2021, Nicole chatted to the group about the free rehabilitation resources developed by Advanced Bionics. On the 18th July, she will return to talk about music and the brain and go through the features of their free Musical Atmospheres resource.
Feedback from those who have attended our earlier online groups suggest our virtual meetings are informative, convenient and easy to access via most smartphones, laptops, computers and tablets. If you are new to the world of virtual meetings, we have step by step guides available on how to access the meeting. For those with compatible sound processors, the meetings can be streamed using wireless or direct audio streaming.
We would be delighted if you could attend and really hope you can join us. Please contact Susan Boon via email at BCU.CochlearImplantEnquiries@wales.nhs.uk if you would like to attend the meeting. Details of how to join the meetings will be provided with your invite.
Musiclarity
For those looking to develop their musical skills check out www.musiclarity.com. Musiclarity is an online interactive music resource. It is designed for hearing aid users but will also work for cochlear implant recipients too. The website includes a small database of music with a variety of artists and genres. Percussion, vocals and other instruments can be altered or isolated which might help with music and lyric recognition. You will need to register and create an account to access the music library.
Finally, if you would like to experiment with musical instruments or even create some new music, try the free online piano at www.recursivearts.com/virtual-piano/ or drum machine at www.onemotion.com/drum-machine/ .
Travelling with your cochlear implant
Now that summer is well under way, some of you may be making plans for holidays. Whether you are planning a staycation or a trip abroad, it is worth checking out the following before you travel.
Flying with a Cochlear Implant
Patients often worry about flying with their cochlear implant. Rules regarding batteries in carry-on and checked-in luggage can be confusing and you may feel nervous passing through security checks. Before travelling, check with your airline regarding their current guidelines for carrying batteries. If you use rechargeable batteries, make sure they are fully charged and consider carrying disposable batteries/battery sleeve as back- up.
At security, you may be asked to provide your patient information card. This is usually provided at when you receive your sound processor after surgery, and provides information about your implant. It is safe to pass through the full body scanner and metal detector with a cochlear implant whilst wearing your sound processor. You may notice slight interference of the sound as you pass through, to avoid this you may wish to switch your processor off.
Holiday Loaner Schemes
To provide peace of mind whilst travelling, cochlear implant manufacturers provide a variety of holiday/travel schemes. The holiday loaner schemes vary in price depending on the manufacturer and the cover required. For those looking for complete peace of mind, manufacturers can provide a back-up processor to take on holiday, but this must be returned after your trip. Please contact the department for an application form should you like to take out cover. Manufacturers recommend applying no less the 21 days before your departure.
Swimming Accessories
Swimming accessories are available from all manufacturers making your sound processor completely waterproof. Accessories and recommendations for use vary depending on your device but you will usually need to use rechargeable batteries. Information and instructions can be found on the manufacturers website. Alternatively, if you would like guidance on using your swimming accessory or would like to try a waterproof kit, please contact the department for further information.