Hearing while Swimming

For my birthday earlier this year, my husband gifted me with something very unique...

A Nucleus Aqua+ kit!

What is that you may ask? Just look at this photo:

I spy with my little eye a Mama who can hear!

What's so special about this photo? Aside from my really cute little 1 year old, who was attending her first ever swim lessons? (We live on an Island, so naturally the need to learn how to swim is important) I can hear for the very FIRST time in water. In water. 

For 32 years I've been vigilant about any kind of moisture making its way into my hearing assistive devices - from hearing aids, to cochlear implants, and even FM systems. Sweat was my enemy. Even in my former swim club days, I couldn't hear a thing. Imagine - 3 hour training sessions every other day where I couldn't hear and yet still had to respond to swim coaches?!

The kit came in a really nice little box, which satisfied the OCD personality in me. It's been out for a couple of years, but I never really paid much attention to it. I don't know why it took me this long.

Waterproof too, of course...

Me reading the instructions... (I would suggest doing this at least once)

All set up and ready to go!

First impressions before getting into the water: It feels slightly heavier than usual - and the silicone part covering my processor creates some crinkling sound. Probably due to friction as the silicone is rubbing on my microphones. I can live with it for a short time.

First impressions when I'm in the water: WOW. Is this what splashing in the water sounds like? I could hear my daughter's squeals and actually hear her gagging on water (little one loves to drink anything!). Plus, I could actually follow her swim instructors' sing-a-longs with no difficulty. My immediate thought after the swim lesson was: I'm not as nearly stressed out going into the water now that I can hear! The crinkling sounds are muted by the soothing sounds of the waves.

If I were still doing my hard core swim club days this would be found on me, underneath a swim cap!

Note: rechargeable batteries are required when using the Aqua Kit. A bit of a downside if you only use disposable batteries!