You’ll probably agree that learning how to swim is a typical rite of passage for adolescents, but for children who are hearing impaired this common skill becomes a major challenge. Fortunately, advancements in cochlear implants and hearing aids make learning a little easier for these kids, but the learning tends to stop at the water’s edge because electronic devices and the wet stuff tend to not get along very well.
Valencia, California-based Advanced Bionics has made bath time and trips to the pool a little more fun with the U.S. and Canadian approval of its revolutionary Neptune sound processor. Neptune is the world’s first and only waterproof sound processor. Designed to withstand extreme aquatic environments, the Neptune incorporates Advanced Bionics’ hearing technology into a lightweight, durable, and flexible package. The Neptune processor is able to be worn in a variety of ways, such as on the arm, collar, or hair (basically anywhere but on the ear), and comes in a variety of colors that will especially appeal to children who use the device.
Advanced Bionics hopes that the Neptune will allow parents of toddlers to better bond with their children during bath time, and swim students to hear important safety information at the pool. We’re also hoping to see marked improvement when it comes to singing in the shower as well.
Product page: Neptune
Press release: Waterproof Neptune Sound Processor from Advanced Bionics Approved in United States and Canada