Important information

Background

Patients with a cochlear implant are deemed to be at increased risk of infection with the pneumococcus bacteria and we advise all patients with a cochlear implant to be adequately vaccinated.

Please note, we are not aware of any of our adult cochlear implant recipient developing invasive pneumococcal disease over the last 30 years.

Recommendation

Patients who are considering a cochlear implant should see their GP prior to surgery to undergo vaccination prior to surgery. Patients who already have a cochlear implant should check their vaccination status with their GP and ensure they meet the recommended standard. 

Australian Recommended Protocol for Pneumococcal Vaccination - PDF

For further clarification please speak to your GP. Your ENT surgeon would be pleased to discuss the protocol with your GP, if required.

General Warnings and Precautions

Your hearing implant manufacturer provides warnings, advice and general precautions related to the following:

• Overheating
• Small parts hazard
• Long-term effects of electrical stimulation
• Head trauma
• Batteries and battery chargers
• Theft, metal detection systems and other radio frequency (RF) transmitters
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
• Mobile telephones
• Air travel
• Contact sport and scuba diving
• Electromagnetic interference with medical devices

Please refer to Manufacturer Guidelines or contact us to learn more about the warnings and precautions relevant to your device.

Precautions for Medical Procedures

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI may be performed, depending on the model of your hearing implant. Safety guidelines and specific conditions, as outlined by your hearing implant Manufacturer, must be strictly adhered to.

Please refer to Manufacturer Guidelines or contact us before having an MRI scan.

Induced Currents

Some medical treatments generate induced currents that may damage your hearing implant. These treatments include but are not necessarily limited to electrosurgery, diathermy, neurostimulation, electroconvulsive therapy and ionizing radiation therapy.

Warnings for specific treatments are provided by your hearing implant manufacturer.

Please refer to Manufacturer Guidelines or contact us before receiving medical treatments that generate induced currents.

Batteries

The batteries you use will be determined by the hearing implant sound processor you choose. 

If you are able to use disposable batteries, high power batteries are recommended for cochlear implant sound processors due to the higher power requirements of the device. Standard hearing aid batteries, by comparison, are recommended for bone conduction implant sound processors. 

Batteries can be obtained through Australian Hearing or purchased from Cochlear Implants SA, various retail outlets or online.

Replacement and Spare Parts

Replacement and spare parts for your hearing implant can be obtained through Cochlear Implants SA, Hearing Australia or directly from your hearing implant manufacturer. Before placing an order, please ensure you know your hearing implant type, sound processor model, preferred cable length and colour of the part you require. If you are uncertain of these details, please contact us for further assistance.

Hearing Australia will provide replacement parts, required to keep a sound processor functioning, as part of the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. This service is provided free of charge for eligible members. To determine if you are eligible for Hearing Australia Services, please contact us or call Hearing Australia on 131 797.

Magnet Strength

A magnet is used to hold your sound processor or the transmitting coil of your sound processor in place. These magnets are available in different strengths. If the magnet is too weak your sound processor or transmitting coil will repeatedly fall off your head; if it is too strong, it can cause the skin beneath the magnet to breakdown. If the skin beneath the coil looks red or begins to feel hot, or if wearing the coil causes discomfort or leaves a mark on the skin, then the magnet is too strong. Please contact us immediately if you are concerned about the strength of your magnet.

Routine Care

To ensure your sound processor performs optimally, it is important you care, maintain and store it appropriately. This may include keeping your sound processor clean and dry, replacing microphone protectors and using dry and store units in line with manufacturer guidelines. For more information on routine care of your device, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Your cochlear implant sound processor comes with a three (3) year Manufacturer's warranty.

Your bone conduction implant sound processor comes with a two (2) year Manufacturer's warranty.

All other parts and accessories come with a 3 to 12 month Manufacturer's warranty. Please contact us for further information or refer to the Warranty Guide provided by your hearing implant manufacturer.

Insuring your Sound Processor

Cochlear Implants SA recommends you insure your sound processor for accidental loss or damage under your home and contents insurance policy. We are able to provide a letter for your insurance company, stating the replacement value of your sound processor.

Please be aware the cost of insuring your sound processor may vary significantly between insurance agencies. Cochlear Implants SA recommends, therefore, you obtain several quotes and be clear about the circumstances under which the device may not be covered.

Replacing your Sound Processor

Cochlear Implants SA recommends you consider options for replacing your sound processor across your lifetime. At present, there is no public funding for replacement or upgrade sound processors for adults outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

If your sound processor is damaged beyond repair, lost or stolen, you can either purchase a new device or make an insurance claim under your home and contents insurance policy. For NDIS participants, Cochlear Implants SA can support your claim for a replacement sound processor.

If you are under 26 years of age and are eligible to receive services from Hearing Australia, you can obtain a replacement sound processor through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

Upgrading your Sound Processor

If you have private hospital cover, you may be eligible to apply to your private health fund for an upgrade sound processor. While some private health funds upgrade according to the age of your current sound processor, other private health funds upgrade only if you obtain a measurable benefit from new technology.

Please contact us for further information about upgrading your sound processor through your private health fund.