Accessory for swimming approved for cochlear implants

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Aqua+ accessory, a waterproof, behind-the-ear product for cochlear implant recipients. The accessory allows  Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 and Nucleus 6 Implant recipients2 to swim underwater for up to two hours, Cochlear Limited said.

The accessory’s flexible, watertight sleeve fits over the sound processor behind the ear, and a special waterproof coil connects to the sound processor.

“With the approval of the Aqua+ accessory, recipients can have the confidence that they have the world’s most waterproof cochlear implant system on the market, while benefitting from the sleek, form-fitting, behind-the-ear design that truly makes it one-of-a-kind,” said Chris Smith, President of Cochlear Americas. “The Aqua+ will undeniably change the way our cochlear implant recipients interact with water going forward by allowing them to swim in and under water while wearing their sound processor.”

The product can be used in chlorinated pools, fresh water lakes and rivers, saltwater oceans and pools, and soapy water. The Aqua+ Kit, which consists of all the necessary parts that recipients will need, can be ordered from the Cochlear Americas store beginning May 2.