WaterWear for Cochlear Implants: User Experiences With SONNET 2

We spoke to two mothers, Lenna and Rayan, about their experiences with WaterWear and how it has transformed their children’s lives.

Fully Present With WaterWear: Lenna and Morgan’s Experience

Lenna’s son, Morgan, uses the SONNET 2 audio processor. For Morgan, water is part of a weekly adventure, whether at the swimming center or in the paddling pool in their garden. With WaterWear, Morgan has access to sound while in the pool.

The ability to hear in the water has a huge positive effect on Morgan.

Rayan’s Aquatic Experiences With Gabriella and Mia

Rayan’s daughters, Gabriella and Mia, also use SONNET 2 audio processors and are avid swimmers. For Rayan’s daughters, wearing their audio processors during water activities is crucial. It allows them to fully participate and enjoy water experiences with family and friends without missing out on sounds or communication.

Key Features of WaterWear

Lenna and Rayan both mention several qualities that make WaterWear effective at safeguarding their children’s audio processors:

• Its extreme durability provides reliable protection against water damage.
• The snug fit ensures the audio processor stays in place while swimming.
• The transparent material allows for easy monitoring of the device.
• WaterWear is easy to use—although practicing beforehand is recommended.

Advantages of Using WaterWear

Both Lenna and Rayan highlight the profound impact of WaterWear on their children’s enjoyment and participation in water activities. Swimming lessons are much easier since they can hear the instructor.

• Communication in water is possible which promotes social interaction.
• Thanks to WaterWear, their children can hear people around them and feel much safer.
• Using WaterWear aids auditory development by providing consistent access to sound, even when swimming or playing in the water.
• Being able to wear audio processors during water activities promotes inclusivity, allowing their children to fully engage in these experiences without feeling left out.
• This inclusion fosters confidence and a positive self-image, contributing to overall well-being and enjoyment while swimming.

Special Moments With WaterWear

Lenna shared a memorable experience with WaterWear: “The first time we used WaterWear, we took Morgan to our local swimming center. They gave us private access 15 minutes before the public so Morgan could use his equipment without being overwhelmed. Morgan absolutely enjoyed the experience, and when they started allowing the public in, Morgan’s speech and sounds were just mesmerizing. He was energetic, loud, and very excited.”

Rayan also shared a poignant story from a family trip: “I had forgotten to bring the zinc-free batteries when we went to Majorca. My child was extremely upset, and her mood and tone of voice were completely different in the water. We then spent one whole day searching for the batteries and managed to find some, much to our relief. The difference in my child when she had her processors in the water was incredible. She was so much happier, calmer, and was able to communicate.”

Looking Ahead

Both mothers express gratitude for WaterWear and hope for continued innovation. Lenna is excited about any new features that may come, while Rayan values the reliability and performance of WaterWear.

Their stories are a testament to how WaterWear is not just a product but a bridge to inclusion, joy, and engagement for children with cochlear implants. As Rayan put it, “We are so grateful that our children have this amazing equipment to allow them to fully enjoy water activities.”

WaterWear continues to make waves, ensuring that no splashes or joyful laughter are ever silent for cochlear implant users.

Want to order WaterWear for your audio processor? Simply fill in this form. Your local MED-EL team will then contact you with more details about pricing and availability in your country.