As Tahlia and the other kids were playing on the slip 'n slide yesterday, Jazzie was just standing there; just watching them. I asked her why she wouldn't go ahead and put her bathing suit on so that she could play as well. I knew she was apprehensive because of the fact that she would have to take her cochlear implant processors off, but I wanted to see what Jazzie would say. She stood there for a moment, started to cry and said that she wouldn't be able to hear what the kids were talking about. "I just hate being deaf!" she shouted and ran inside. It hurts me me to see my girl like this; it really does :-(
I did some quick thinking and decided to stick her processor in a ziplock bag and stick it to her head with a bandage. Her processors are somewhat water resistant, but it still makes me nervous to get them wet so we do not take any chances. I just wanted my girl to not feel like an outsider.
Look at that smile! She was so happy about it :-)
We did have to switch to a bigger bandage, but otherwise our problem was solved and I loved seeing the happy smile on Jazzie's face :-)
I'm glad Jazzie enjoyed herself on the slip and slide and is feeling confident!
Here's a technique someone else mentioned:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYTg7dmsrpo
Many parents use these headbands too:
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/earbanearret.html
Posted by: b | Friday, August 27, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Sandra, you are one incredibly awesome mommy! And Jazzie is one amazingly adaptable girl. Her "headband" actually looks darling. What a great msg to all the kids, who each have their own specific needs that may not be so readily apparent. I applaud you both!
Posted by: christi | Sunday, August 08, 2010 at 07:36 PM
When I first started reading, I was thinking shower cap. Kudos to you for coming up with a workable solution!
Posted by: Shecki | Saturday, August 07, 2010 at 11:57 PM
You rock mommy! Check out that beautiful smile! Maybe you can patent something and sell it on Etsy? :o) Ya, like you need one more thing to do to keep you busy!
Glad you're having such a great summer! The weather has been absolutely beautiful this year.
Posted by: Catherine | Wednesday, August 04, 2010 at 09:43 AM
absolutely brilliant, sandra.
<3 from shanghai!
Posted by: kat chang | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Awesome idea!
Maybe she could decorate her bandage if you stick with that solution. Bling it up a little. LOL!
Posted by: Krista | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 06:09 PM
Love it! As a OT I love creativity! Having a disability is all about making modifications.
Posted by: Melissa | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 02:18 PM
Great Job! would a swim cap fit over the plastic bag? That might be more stylish than the bandage but she rocked the bandage on the head look. That smile in the last picture says it all!
Posted by: Cora | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 02:12 PM
Way to think on your feet mama and make things work!!
Posted by: Tina Michelle | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Great design for her !!
No matter that many ideas can be solved
Don't be sad anymore jazzie, she is growing up and everything should be faced. Anyway, I am so happy for her that she has GOOD and Smart mother :)
Happy summer holiday.
Posted by: Betty | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 01:30 PM
I have no suggestions, just a comment on how happy Jazzie looked. What a great idea!
Posted by: Kristen | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Swimming caps comes to mind??
Posted by: Charlotte | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 12:10 PM
I know that there are some people out there that use the press-n-seal wrap to put over the processors. If you check a couple of CI support sites, I'm sure you can find what some others have done to make this work. I know a child where I live did this with one processor (he is bilateral, but just did one) and had a great pool experience. Another option would be to use the longer cable and try putting the processor in the press-n-seal or the baggie, and pin it to her suit.Then she wouldn't have to have the bandage on her head. They also sell "ear bandits" which are bands that some kids use to hold their earplugs in. Just a few coping suggestions :) We still take Sophie's CI all the way off, but will probably be dealing with the same situation as your Jazzie soon. Anyway, just wanted to share some ideas.
Posted by: Julie | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Would it be possible to tightly wrap the device with some Glad Press and Seal cling wrap and still have her wear it? It might solve the needing a bigger bandage problem. Just a thought.
http://www.glad.com/plasticwrap/
Posted by: cg | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Great job! I am glad you are such a problem solver for her! :)
Posted by: Tammie | Monday, August 02, 2010 at 10:55 AM