Exercise and moisture (aka sweat). Any suggestion

[averum]

My implant was activated in July of this year, so I'm still new and learning.  I have the Opus 2 on my left side, my right ear does not have an implant.  It is still marginally functional, but not enough to be of any real use by itself in public, even with adjunct of some lip reading.  I need the CI to communicate.

 

I'm in my late 50s and trying to strengthen my heart by increasing my exercise level.  I perspire easily and the problem is that if I wear my CI device, after only 10 or 15 minutes moisture causes it to start distorting sound and it will very quickly shut off.  I've had to replace two rechargeable batteries in the past month.  One time the speech processor got very hot, but it didn't burn-out.  I think that was the occasion that ruined one of the batteries.

 

I always put it in the drying box as quickly as I can after something like that and, so far, the processor is still working.

 

Now, when I exercise, I take it off at the first signs of perspiration on my head and wrap it in tissue or something to keep it dry.  This would be fine if I didn't need to hear.  Sometimes when I walk/run our dog, I'll just remove it till I've cooled.  It's a different story if I'm walking or exercising with other people such as in an exercise class.  For example, in something like a Yoga class I must be able to hear to follow the instructions and that is impossible once I remove the device.  It's the same for any thing else.  Even walking with my wife is a problem if it's a warm evening because we can't even talk.  (yes, I know, some husbands would think not hearing the wife to be a good thing.  And, yes, on occasion, I've switched it off when the discussion gets too loud, but seriously, it's just not reliable at the first sign of sweat.)

 

Is there anyone else who exercises and has found a way to deal with the moisture?  I've considered taking a headband and making some sort of pocket where I could put the device, but I haven't tried that yet.   I have other ideas too, but the headband seems the easiest to do.

 

My complaint is the device is totally not resistant to moisture.  I would think they could at least have some type of seal between the pieces.  Just a neoprene gasket or something.  As it is now, there isn't any means of protecting it.   I would think they understand that a device that's worn next to a person's skin would be made to resist moisture, dirt, and body oils.  Shouldn't that be designed into it?

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thank you.

 

P.S.   All-in-all, I'm happy with it and after a gradual loss of hearing over many years, it's a tremendous improvement and help.

[Matt]

I shave my head so I think the lack of hair means most of the sweat I produce disperses very quickly.

I'm interested to hear other opinions.

[lilygirl630]

I have not personally tried it yet, as I haven't broken a sweat since I have been activated, but I spoke to another Med-El recipient who has bilateral implants and is an avid runner. She recommended Ear Gear, which I had with my hearing aids. I ordered some and have them on hand for when I get back into my workout routine. The website is gearforears.com. They are just covers for the implant that are supposed to help protect it from moisture damage. You would still have to employ the dry box, but they have helped my hearing aids last!

[averum]

Thank you Sarah.  I checked their website and it looks promising.  I may need to alter it for the wire to the coil, but that shouldn't be much of a problem.  They are a little pricey but they come in pairs and would most likely last a long time.

 

I'm still going to try putting some type of a pocket on a headband (sweatband).   I may even try to stitch one of the Ear Gear covers to the headband.

 

thank you,

 

jdw

[Adam]

JD Weaver,

I am an ultramarathon runner so some of my training runs last as long as 6 hours. I would say I sweat a good bit. I use the ear gear which work well to protect the processor. I also wear a hat. the coil is strong enough to stick to the outside of my hat so the ear gear keep my processor dry and the hat keeps my coil dry. I ran a 24 hour ultramarathon this past February. I ran the entire 24 hours withoput any problems at all with my processors. I'll attach a pic of me during the race so you can see what I'm talking about.

 

[Leblisa]

Awesome photos!  The first one could be an ad for the device.

[Adam]

That was taken as just a few minutes before the 24 hour race as we said a brief prayer.

 

i work out at least 6 days a week running, karate or crossfit and havent had any issues with the ear gear. putting the coil on the outside of my hat helps it stay dry as well.

[DonRob72]

Ear Gear acts as a wick and only soaks up the moisture and keeps it tight around your processor. You may as well drop your processor in a glass of water.  You want to keep moisture "away" from the device, not wrapped around it.  My experience is Ear Gear doesn't work and is a waste of money.  Wrapping self-stick gauze around it works much better, but not completely.  This the flaw in Med El's design.  Poor workmanship.

[andyjmundy]

I wear two  Opus2's and Med-el have launched WaterWear online but I am not sure if it is for sale in the UK yet or in the US or other countries details on: www.medel.com/uk/waterwear/