Cochlear Implants: How to Care for the Device and Keep It Working

A cochlear implant is an amazing piece of technology, but at the end of the day, it is still an electronic device. Just like a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer, it lives in the real world. It gets exposed to dust, rain, sweat, and the occasional accidental drop.

Because your loved one relies on their processor to hear the world, keeping it in good working order is incredibly important. If the battery dies, if a cable snaps, or if moisture gets inside, their bridge to sound is temporarily gone.

Fortunately, looking after a cochlear implant does not require you to be a tech expert. Most of the daily care is very straightforward. As a friend or family member, simply knowing the basics of how to handle, clean, and store the device can be a massive help—especially if you are caring for a child or an older relative who uses one.

This article covers the simple, daily habits that keep the equipment working safely and reliably.

The Number One Enemy: Moisture

If there is one thing that causes problems for cochlear implants more than anything else, it is moisture. Water and electronics simply do not get along.

During a normal day, the processor is exposed to a lot of moisture. This doesn't just mean getting caught in a sudden rain shower; it also includes everyday sweat, steam from cooking or a hot bath, and humidity in the air. Over time, this moisture can creep inside the tiny gaps in the casing and cause the delicate computer parts to rust or fail.

To combat this, your loved one will likely have a special drying box or "dehumidifier." This is a small container where they place their processor overnight while they sleep. Some drying boxes use disposable bricks that absorb moisture, while others plug into the wall and use gentle heat and UV light to dry and sanitize the equipment.

Here is how you can help with moisture control:

• Make the drying box a habit: Encourage your loved one to put their processor in the drying box every single night. It should be as automatic as brushing their teeth.

• Remove the batteries first: Depending on the type of system they have, they may need to take the batteries off before putting the processor in the drier. Doing this allows the dry air to reach the battery contacts inside.

• Know what to do in an emergency: If the processor gets dropped in water (like the bath, a sink, or a puddle), do not panic. Turn it off immediately, take the battery off, wipe it down gently with a soft cloth, and place it straight into the drying box. Leave it in there for at least a full day before trying to turn it on again. Never use a hairdryer or a microwave to dry it out, as extreme heat will destroy the delicate microphone and computer chip.

Understanding the Power Source: Batteries

Without power, a cochlear implant is just a piece of plastic. Managing batteries is a major part of daily life for anyone who wears one.

There are two main types of batteries used in these devices: rechargeable batteries and disposable zinc-air batteries. Some users use a mix of both, depending on what they are doing that day.

Rechargeable Batteries

These are very convenient and look like small plastic cartridges that twist or slide onto the main processor. They typically last between 8 and 18 hours on a single charge, depending on the size of the battery and how hard the processor is working to filter out noise.

• The charging routine: Help your loved one set up a consistent charging station. Having a dedicated spot on a bedside table or desk makes it easy to swap dead batteries for fresh ones in the morning.

• Keeping spares: Rechargeable batteries slowly lose their capacity over a few years, just like phone batteries. It is always a good idea to have at least one spare battery fully charged and ready to go in a pocket or bag.

Disposable Batteries

These are small, round metal batteries that come in packets. They are "air-activated," meaning they start working as soon as you peel off the little sticky tab on the back.

• The waiting rule: When using disposable batteries, peel the tab off and wait about one full minute before putting them into the processor. This allows the air to fully activate the battery, which helps it last as long as possible.

• Safe disposal: Keep used batteries out of reach of children and pets, as they can be highly dangerous if swallowed. Keep a small jar or container to collect dead batteries so you can recycle them safely.

Keeping the Device Clean

Because the processor sits directly against the skin behind the ear, it easily collects oils from the skin, hairspray, makeup, and dirt. A dirty processor can feel uncomfortable to wear, and build-up can block the microphones.

Cleaning the device does not require any special chemicals. In fact, you should never use cleaning sprays, alcohol wipes, or liquid cleaners on the processor, as these can damage the protective coatings.

Instead, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth (like the kind used to clean eyeglasses) to wipe down the processor, the coil, and the cables every evening. This removes the oils and dust from the day.

You should also look closely at the microphone covers. These are tiny, mesh-like screens that sit over the microphones to protect them from dirt and water. Over time, these covers can get clogged with dust or sweat, which makes everything sound muffled to the user. The audiologist will show you how to change these covers, which usually need replacing every few months. If your loved one mentions that their hearing feels a bit "dull" or quiet, checking and replacing the microphone covers is often the quickest and easiest fix.

Handling the Wires and Coils Gently

Most cochlear implants have a thin cable that connects the behind-the-ear processor to the circular coil that sticks to the head. This cable is incredibly thin and flexible so that it can sit comfortably against the head without being noticed.

Because the cable is so thin, it is one of the most fragile parts of the system.

Encourage your loved one to avoid twisting, bending, or pulling the cable sharply when they are putting the device on or taking it off. When storing the device, do not wrap the cable tightly around the processor, as this puts stress on the connection points. Instead, let the cable loop naturally.

If your loved one suddenly experiences intermittent sound—where the sound cuts in and out when they move their head—it is almost always a sign that the cable is worn out or damaged. Keeping a spare cable at home is incredibly useful, as swapping a broken cable takes seconds and immediately solves the problem.

Storing the "Ears" Safely Overnight

When your loved one goes to bed, they will "take their ears off." Where they put their processor overnight is highly important.

• Keep it away from pets: Dogs and cats are fascinated by cochlear implants. Dogs, in particular, are attracted to the scent of their owner’s skin on the device and have a bad habit of chewing them up. A chewed-up processor is rarely repairable and can be very expensive to replace. Always store the device in a closed box, a drawer, or a drying kit out of reach of curious pets.

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not leave the processor in a hot car during the summer or on a cold windowsill in the winter. Extreme heat can melt plastic and ruin batteries, while extreme cold can drain battery life instantly.

Making Outings and Travel Simpler

Living with a piece of medical technology means planning ahead when leaving the house. Whether going on a short trip to the shops, visiting family for the weekend, or heading to a busy airport, your loved one has to think about spare batteries, charging cables, and how to communicate if something goes wrong with their device.

This is where a Medical ID card becomes a highly practical asset.

This small, sturdy card fits perfectly in a wallet or cardholder. It clearly states that the holder uses a cochlear implant and may not hear clearly, especially in noisy or stressful environments.

If your loved one is travelling through airport security, they can show the card to the staff. It explains why they cannot walk through certain scanners (which can occasionally erase the computer program on the implant) and why they cannot take their processor off during the screening process. It saves them from having to explain their medical history in a loud, busy queue, keeping the experience simple, quiet, and stress-free.

Supporting Your Loved One with the Practical Side of Things

By taking a little time to understand how to care for the equipment, you are taking a massive weight off your loved one’s shoulders. They are already doing the heavy mental lifting of learning to translate a brand-new way of hearing; having someone around who can help charge a battery, wipe down a cable, or make sure the drying box is turned on makes a world of difference.

You do not need to be a technician to keep the magic working. With a few simple, daily habits and a bit of patience, you can make sure that your loved one’s bridge to the hearing world stays clear, reliable, and ready for every conversation you share.