Cochlear Implants and Sports

Many people have the misconception that if someone has a cochlear implant, then that person cannot participate in activities like swimming or playing football. So parents of children with cochlear implants want to know whether their kids can participate in sports like every other child. Basically, they want their kids to have a normal life without feeling singled out.

Children with implants can swim as long as they remember to take off the external portion of the implant. When it comes to scuba diving, it is best to first consult a qualified ENT specialist. Scuba diving involves being underwater and facing some amount of pressure. Most implants have the ability to withstand pressure underwater up to depths of 25 meters or 82 feet. However, it is best to consult a medical professional.

When it comes to playing in playgrounds, you might need to remove the implant. This is primarily because the plastic is swings and other playground equipment tend to give off an electrostatic discharge, which ends up interfering with the speech processor’s working. Therefore, it is best to remove the external portion of the implant.

When it comes to using exercise equipment, a person with cochlear implant can use a treadmill as long as the treadmill is placed properly so that it does not give an electric static shock. It might be advisable to remove the external portion of the implant before using the treadmill.

When the external portion of the implant is removed, the person will not be able to hear sounds while playing or participating in sports. That is why it is important for children to learn sign language and/or lip reading to facilitate proper communication in circumstances like these.