Signs Cochlear Implant Headpiece Magnet Strength Is Too Strong
As a follow-up to my last post, “Determining the Right Magnet Strength for My Cochlear Implant Headpiece,” I want to highlight something that’s often overlooked: the error part of trial and error. When magnet strength is too strong, it can lead to skin irritation or even open sores, preventing your child (or yourself) from wearing the cochlear implant processor for days—or longer.
Recently, we accidentally mixed up our son’s headpieces and used the wrong magnet strength on one side. By the end of the day, his scalp was red and itchy. He didn’t say anything or complain, but the irritation was clearly visible (see photo). If we hadn’t caught it in time, it might’ve developed into a sore. We removed the headpiece overnight, adjusted the magnets, and luckily, the redness was gone by morning.
Signs That Magnet Strength May Be Too Strong
Watch for these early signs, especially in nonverbal children:
Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the connection point
Scratching, rubbing, or removing the headpiece frequently
Skin irritation that could lead to scabbing or open sores
If you notice any of these symptoms, remove the headpiece and let the skin rest. Then, consult your audiologist to adjust the magnet strength appropriately.
When It’s Not a Skin Issue
If there’s no visible irritation but your child is resisting the headpiece, it could be something else. Check the CI equipment, and talk to your audiologist about the sound processor map. When our son was around 24 months, he repeatedly removed his headpiece. After ruling out hardware and magnet issues, a visit to an experienced audiologist revealed an overstimulating map. Once that was corrected, he was happy to wear it again.
Share Your Experience
Have you faced a similar issue with magnet strength or processor refusal? If so, we’d love to hear your tips or experiences to help others in the CI community.
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Ci Wear is the only patented shirt designed to secure and protect cochlear implant processors and other mobile listening devices. Ideal for use as a rash guard, swim shirt, or activewear—especially with waterproof CI processors like the AB Neptune, AquaMic and Marvel processors.