Please use the links below (shown in blue) to navigate to the desired section of the page. Each company also provides their own safety guidance that is specific to their implants and processors. Links to these documents can be found on the British Cochlear Implant Group website.
Your cochlear implant device is designed to be safe and effective. It consists of both internal and external components. The implant is the internal surgically implanted part, and the sound processor is the externally worn equipment. Most cochlear implant recipients can lead a normal life but it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Manufacturers are responsible for providing safety information for all their products. Device specific safety information is available from each of the manufacturers.
What activities MUST I avoid?
- Diving from a diving board – this can cause trauma and put the internal implant at risk.
- Rides involving high speeds / extreme forces as this may dislodge the internal implant
- Contact sports such as ruby/boxing/martial arts where pressure or impact to the head is likely
- Must not touch Van der Graaf generator in school science lessons
- Must not touch cathode ray tube TV screen (LED/LCD are fine)
- Do not touch/crawl under electric fence as may damage internal implant
- Toys causing deliberate electric shocks
Note: If working in an environment with high magnetic fields contact NERCIP for advice
This is not an exhaustive list, for further information please refer to your implant user manual or contact the clinic or your implant company for advice.
What medical treatments MUST I avoid?
- Electrosurgery – including dental surgery
- monopolar never in head and neck region
- bipolar never within 2cm of implant
- Therapeutic Diathermy – never to be used
- Ultrasound diathermy is acceptable below head and neck only
- Neurostimulation never over cochlear implant
- Electro-convulsive therapy – never
- Electric hayfever relievers – never
- Electrical and electronic medical devices
- If electric current may pass through head and neck – never
This is not an exhaustive list, for further information please refer to your implant user manual or contact the clinic or your implant company for advice.
What medical treatments should I seek advice for BEFORE having them carried out?
The following medical treatments can sometimes be carried out on someone with a cochlear implant, please see your implant user manual or contact the clinic for further advice.
In most instances, clarification from the NERCIP must be sought prior to this.
They include:
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- TENs machines (pain relief)
- Devices for electronic pain therapy
- Radiotherapy
- Dental treatments e.g. ultrasonic tooth cleaner
- Electro-acupuncture
- Face lifts and hair transplants
This is not an exhaustive list, for further information please refer to your implant user manual or contact the clinic or your implant company for advice.
When will I need to remove the external part of my cochlear implant?
The external part of the cochlear implant (the processor) should be removed for the following:
- X-ray
- Gamma camera
- If experimenting with static electricity in school science lesson
- When playing vigorous sports if a knock to the head is a possibility. Please use a helmet to protect the internal implant**
- Gymnastics scrum cap provides some protection
- Sailing / canoeing. Please use a helmet to protect the internal implant**
- Swimming – unless waterproof / wearing waterproof aqua accessory
- Water sports
- Skiing
- Activity park rides (excluding high speed / extreme force see ‘what to avoid’ section)
- Sunbeds
- Skydiving / parachuting
** Helmets should be of high quality. It will help to protect the implant from any blows.
It is advisable to try different makes and types to check comfort and fit, it is especially important that it fits around the implant site to reduce pressure on the receiver and scar.
This is not an exhaustive list, for further information please refer to your implant user manual or contact the clinic or your implant company for advice.