The air is becoming cooler and crisper. The smell of pumpkin pie is floating through the air. Unfortunately, so is something else… STATIC! Static electricity has the ability to “zap” a cochlear implant processor, wiping out all of the MAPs and programming information stored within. Here are some tips to make it through “static season” with all of your MAPs intact:
Avoid static-causing situations like plastic play equipment, bounce houses, balloons, ball pits, etc. or remove the CI processors before jumping in!
Clothing can also be a source of static. When dressing in layers, choose clothing made from natural fibers. Synthetics tend to generate more static.
Give your child a “rub down” using dryer sheets to reduce static. Repeat this after going outside to play or whenever you start to see their hair stand on end! A mixture of part water, part fabric softener in a spray bottle also does the trick, but unless your child has a brand of processor that is water-resistant, remove CI equipment before spraying anywhere close to their ears.
Teach children to “ground” themselves by touching something metal attached to the earth (like a lightpost) to diffuse static electricity.
Be prepared with back-up processors if necessary. Have the contact information for your audiologist on hand so that you can contact them quickly if a processor “zap” occurs.
While it’s important to take necessary precautions to minimize static electricity for cochlear implant users, if you incorporate these simple suggestions into everyday life, static needn’t be a huge worry. Anecdotally, static just isn’t that big of a deal. Processor “zaps” are rare, and can usually be remedied with a quick trip to the audiologist to reinstate the programs. It’s an inconvenience, but one that can easily be fixed, if not avoided entirely.
Elizabeth A. Rosenzweig 