How to keep processors in place

Headbands

Headbands with pockets can help with keeping hearing devices in the right place. They need to be made of breathable material to ensure the skin around the ear is not getting too hot.

Headbands websites:

Hearing Henry (opens in a new tab)

Love Harry (opens in a new tab)

Ear Suspenders - Etsy shop (opens in a new tab)

Mic locks and huggies

These are based on the idea of attaching soft tubing to the processors. The tubing can be cut to fit snugly around the ear to hold the processors in place.

Snugfits and Hugfits

The Cochlear Hugfit or Snugfit options hold the sound processor in place more securely than an earhook alone.

Cords and retention clips

Cords and clips are great in helping to prevent the loss of sound processors. (Cochlear Safety Cords come in the kit.)

Cords and clips websites:

The Ear Connection - SafeNSound retention products (opens in a new tab)

Ear Gear (opens in a new tab)

Connevans (opens in a new tab)

Bone-conduction hearing devices

Processors are supplied with stretchy safety lines that can be clipped to a Softband or clothes to prevent loss. Hats can be problematic due to whistling.

Middle ear implants

Processors are supplied with a choice of mini clip or hairclip safety line, or a corded case can be provided that clips to clothes.

Wig or toupee tape

Double sided sticky tape can help with holding the processors in place and could be a good short-term strategy.

A parent recommended: Walker's Ultra Hold Minis Adhesive Tape Strips available from Amazon (for active children) (opens in a new tab).

Others have found the TopStick tape strips (opens in a new tab) helpful and more gentle on the skin.

For further ideas on helping your child to wear their cochlear implant processors see the NDCS website (opens in a new tab).

Other useful websites:

Hearoes (opens in a new tab)

Connevans Deaf Equipment (opens in a new tab)

The cochlear implant companies’ websites provide further information on wearing options. Please also note that some of the accessories mentioned in this leaflet are not available on the NHS but can be purchased privately.