Helmet Hacks: 3 Tips for Cochlear Implant Users

In this article, Max from Austria tells us how his cochlear implants have allowed him to return to cycling just three years after implantation and what he recommends when it comes to wearing a helmet and audio processors at the same time.

My name is Max. I’m from Austria, and I have bilateral cochlear implants from MED-EL. They enable me to actively engage in my social environment and pursue my favorite hobby: cycling. Safety plays an important role for me when I’m cycling, so I always wear my helmet.

The Start of My Hearing Journey

Every member of my family—except one cousin—is deaf.  In my 30s, I noticed that my hearing was getting progressively worse. This became a problem, particularly during surgeries, because I could no longer hear important information. As a result, I could no longer work as an anesthesia technician in the hospital since hearing aids didn’t help either.

Eventually, my ENT recommended cochlear implants to me. I opted for MED-EL because I felt an Austrian company would be trustworthy and the on-site customer service seemed promising. And that ultimately proved to be the case.

My RONDO 3: Easy Handling, Powerful Sound

I decided to get two RONDO 3 audio processors. These are the features that impress me about my RONDO 3s:

• Easy handling
• Eye-catching, customizable design
• AudioLink for TV and phone calls

After activation, I enjoyed every sound, especially the simple sounds like the clicking of my computer mouse, animals sneaking past in the bushes, and children laughing in the distance.

However, I was also aware that I needed to work on my new way of hearing. I wear my audio processors as often as possible and look forward to putting them on straight away every morning. I’m also not afraid to ask strangers for help whenever I hear a sound I can’t immediately identify. I also recommend trying out auditory rehabilitation apps. They helped me a lot, especially in the beginning.

The Advantages of My RONDO 3 When I Do Sports

There are several advantages of wearing my audio processors when I’m cycling, and I wouldn’t want to be without them:

• I feel safer in traffic with my RONDO 3s since I can hear the cars, horns, traffic signals, and other people.
• On my longer bike rides to different cities or countries, I can easily talk to friends and acquaintances while we’re biking.
• I can enjoy my favorite cycling sound: the gears shifting.

My Tips for Wearing a Helmet With Cochlear Implants

As a cyclist, being safe in traffic is very important to me. To protect myself and my audio processors, I always wear a helmet. Here are my tips on how to adapt a helmet to your needs as a cochlear implant user:

Now I can enjoy cycling while hearing everything and being protected at the same time.

My Advice to Others

My recommendation for other cochlear implant users is not to be afraid to wear your audio processor(s) when doing sports. They give you peace of mind and let you enjoy every sound around you. Even if it takes some time to find the right helmet, it’s worth it!

Thank you, Max!