Question from Miriam
My daughter wears cochlear implants, which have cables that connect the magnet to the processor. Her audiologist kindly gave us some covers to strengthen then and keep them from kinking up but when I asked the Etsy vendor about them, she informed me they are made from PVC. Could you PLEASE help me think of an alternative? These are something she wears every day, and on her head :-/.
Here is a picture of a cochlear implant:
https://advancedbionics.com/com/en/home/solutions/processors/naida-ci.html
and here is the link to the covers we were given:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/846131723/cochlear-hearing-aid-cable-twists
You can see a picture in the listing of what it is covering, as well.
Lisa’s Answer
Have you searched for silicone covers? I googled hearing aid covers and came up with several options. I’m not sure if they would fit your device but perhaps they could be cut. I don’t recommend silicone for baking but it is inert at room temperature.
So, disappointingly, I did find out today that the cables do have a a PVC sheath covering them.
How big of a concern do you think this is? What would you do?
That is disappointing! It’s a small area of space but I would want to avoid exposing a small child to PVC every day if I had an alternative. Can you ask for your doctor’s help in finding a cochlear implant by another manufacturer that doesn’t use PVC? I am not familiar enough with the device to know whether or not there are multiple manufactures that might use different materials. Would the silicone tubing that I identified not work?
If neither of those suggestions work, I would just focus on reducing other exposures. This is something your daughter needs and not using the device is not an option. The exposures from PVC, such as lead and phthalates, are things that can build up in the body from multiple sources. This might be one you just need to accept and focus on things that you can control.
Unfortunately, there are only 3 manufacturers of cochlear implants and once they’re surgically implanted in the skull, it’s not something you swap out unless there’s a recall or malfunction (there actually was a recall earlier this year so we’re in a watch and see mode).
I emailed the company and they did reply with this:
“Here is the information we have regarding the PVC used:
This compound is formulated exclusively with raw materials that have been used in various other compounds that have passed USP Class VI and ISO 10993 Cytotoxicity protocols.
This compound is formulated without phthalates”.
Thanks for the information. I am not familiar with the device. Based on the picture you sent it seems as though the wire will not touch the skin, but rather will rest on the hair. That is better. Also, the fact that it is free of phthalates is a good thing as that is one of the typical ingredients in PVC. PVC can contain lead but given that the wire will not be in direct contact it is not likely a big exposure. The main pathways for lead exposure are ingestion or inhalation of lead dust. As long as you are not touching the wire and then putting your finders in your mouth it shouldn’t be big concern. Also, the wire is so small that any off-gassing will be minimal.
It is a shame that this type of device is made with PVC but overall it should not pose a big exposure.
Thanks so much, Lisa. Probably best not to add on the cable cover though, huh? We’re using it to reduce the twisting of the cable because they are delicate and get damaged easily.
I wouldn’t introduce a new PVC that is not medical grade if you can avoid it. But, I can’t speak to how important it is to protect the cable.
Interesting, thank you! I have reached out to the vendor to ask what it is made of. I was wondering about using a beaded wire to wrap around it.
I guess it just depends on what the beaded wire is made of and there are no heavy metal concerns such as cadmium, lead, or mercury which can be found in cheap jewelry.
Hi Lisa! We’re looking for covers for the cords, not the aids themselves, is that what you found? I’m not seeing anything.
Also, isn’t it hard to find 100% silicone for these? Would the fillers be of concern?
Here is an example of food grade silicone tubing. I’m not sure what width you need but there are several options. If this doesn’t work there are a lot of silicone tubing options. It’s such a specific thing, I can’t think of another option. Look for food grade silicone, but even if it’s not food grade I would chose it over PVC.
What is the cord itself made of? Is it absolutely essential to cover it?