Swimming with Cochlear Implants: Summer Tips for Water Safety and Hearing Protection
Summer’s here—and that means pool days, beach trips, and plenty of time in the water. For most families, swimming is a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat. But for parents of children with hearing loss, especially those with cochlear implants, it can bring unique challenges.
As parents of a son who is profoundly deaf and wears bilateral cochlear implants, we know firsthand how critical it is that he can hear while swimming—for both safety and independence.
Why Hearing in the Water Matters
Our son loves swimming in the ocean, especially diving through waves while searching for fish. Sometimes, he gets caught up in the excitement and starts drifting farther away from the shore. I often find myself swimming for hours just to keep close—watching for currents, large waves, or anything that could pose a danger.
What gives us peace of mind? He wears waterproof cochlear implant processors, which allow him to hear in real-time—whether it’s my voice, lifeguards, or other safety signals. That ability to hear while in the water has been essential.
Staying Safe While Swimming with Cochlear Implants
Being able to call out to our son and have him respond immediately has helped us avoid scary situations. One time, while he was completely focused on following fish, he drifted too far. I called his name—his head popped up—and he swam right back. Without that connection, we might have had to limit his swimming, which is incredibly therapeutic for him.
These waterproof CIs have also made it possible for him to enjoy other water activities like surfing and bodyboarding—all while staying safe.
If Your Child Resists Wearing CIs in the Water...
Some children may hesitate to wear their cochlear implants while swimming because of how they feel, the sound quality in water, or how the devices are secured. If that’s the case for your child, it's important to find a comfortable wearing solution—because this isn’t just about convenience, it’s about safety.
Your child needs to hear:
You or a caregiver calling out
Lifeguard instructions
Oncoming boats or watercraft
Surrounding swimmers
There are wearing options like hats, swim bands, or shirts that can help make waterproof processors feel more secure and comfortable in the water.
Our Go-To: Ci Wear Swim Shirts
In our house, wearing cochlear implants in the water is just as important as applying sunscreen. We use a Ci Wear swim shirt—a protective rash guard designed to secure and help protect waterproof cochlear implant processors. It keeps the devices in place during activity and helps our son feel confident while swimming.
Over time, your child will adjust to any minor sound differences in the water. What matters most is that they feel safe, secure, and included in the fun.
Final Thoughts: Keep Hearing Part of Your Summer Routine
Swimming with cochlear implants doesn’t just improve communication—it helps keep kids safe. Don’t let discomfort or technical challenges keep your child from enjoying the water. With the right setup, they can hear, play, and stay safe all summer long.
#SwimmingWithCochlearImplants #WaterSafety #HearingLoss #CochlearImplantKids #SummerFun #Watersports #BeachSafety
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About Ci Wear
Ci Wear is a patented shirt designed to secure and help protect cochlear implant (CI) processors and other mobile listening devices. Use it as a rash guard, swim shirt, or activewear—an ideal aqua accessory for waterproof cochlear implant sound processors.