6 - Going Underwater with Cochlear Implants: My Experience

 “You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to new things” - Nate Berkus. 

This quote relates to this blog because I will discuss my experiences using the Cochlear Implant aqua kit from Advanced Bionics (AB). 

Before 2020, I did not have access to the aqua kit for my Cochlear Implants, so water was my biggest enemy. I could not be in the rain without protection. When I participated in water activities, I couldn’t wear my Implants, so I usually felt uncomfortable and vulnerable, especially not knowing sign language. When I was learning to swim, I often had difficulty communicating with my swim instructors. I also remember in elementary school, it was raining one afternoon, and I had to get off the bus to head home. I did not have any water protection on, and I remembered the driver previously told me to walk, not run home, so I followed that rule. Unfortunately, when I was halfway home, my processor stopped working. Luckily, my grandmother came out when that happened, so I told her about the issue, and she immediately called my mom. Thankfully, when my mom came out, I was already in the garage, so my implant started working again. Additionally, I would often get invited to pool parties when I was younger, so I usually avoided getting into the pool entirely, or I got into the pool for a few minutes until I couldn't handle being without my Implants any longer. These are only two of my numerous experiences without having an aqua kit for my Implant.

Before I talk about my experiences using the aqua kit, I wanted to share a photo of what my aqua kit looks like for my AB Naida Q90 Cochlear Implant. I place my implant inside the box with the latch and the security lock. The cable and the headpiece, where the AquaMic (the microphone that picks up sounds from the environment) is located, are waterproof up to 10 meters deep. I use it for only my stronger ear since it is expensive, and it would be bulky to have two kits for both of my implants while partaking in water activities. 

My Experiences Using the Aqua Kit

When I was getting the new Implant, I had to decide what accessories to get. I remember being so excited to finally get the aqua kit because I thought hearing water for the first time would be amazing. I also knew I would participate in water activities more often since I would not feel vulnerable anymore. When the new implant and accessories came, my parents and I decided to use the whirlpool at home that evening. I remember submerging myself into the water and discovering what water sounds like. I felt astonished and excited to hear water for the first time! My parents felt emotional and joy when they witnessed me using it for the first time. I kept splashing the water for ten minutes straight. Shortly after, on my 22nd birthday, my parents and I had a few drinks and chatted in the whirlpool for hours while I had my aqua kit on. It was a memorable experience!

Fast-forward to April 2024, when I travelled to Mexico. This trip included many water activities, so the aqua kit was useful! I swam in multiple cenotes (natural sinkholes) and went snorkelling. The sound underwater is like how a GoPro or any other underwater camera picks up sounds when you watch the playback videos, but much quieter. I chatted with multiple people in the hostel pool for hours one evening. Lastly, one evening, I returned to the hostel after a long day, so I wanted to rest and relax at the hostel pool. However, there was a volleyball game at the pool, and everyone was screaming and cheering, so I gently placed my head in the water and floated on my back, submerging my headpiece underwater. All the cheering and screaming became much quieter and muffled. I heard more of the gentle waves underwater, which sounded relaxing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the swim despite the volleyball game. 

I look forward to exploring and capturing hearing memories underwater that I have missed out on for 22 years. Water is no longer my enemy, so I cannot wait to participate in more water activities, such as snorkelling, with ease in the future. 

Thank you for reading my sixth blog! I hope you enjoyed reading it. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns or need someone to chat with.