How do you keep medical devices clean/safe?

[panda2323]

Hi there

First time burner here. I'm using two cochlear implants (or technological way for the deaf to hear) and would rather not get them super dirty. They're optional in that I can go without and experience Burning Man deaf, but if possible would like to talk to people, etc.

Anyone (preferably a cochlear implant or hearing aid user) have tips and trips for ways to keep them free of dust?

Thanks!

[Popeye]

I use hearing aids, in 13 I took new hearing aids to the playa and one was dead when I returned home (under warranty) and the other died after about a month. Turns out there is a small filter inside the hearing aids, after changing the filters one came back and is still working and the other was dead from dust.
Since then I've grown my hair over my ears and had no problems.

[BoyScoutGirl]

Hiya, panda - welcome to eplaya and to the burn! I love that you're taking both a proactive "how can I plan ahead of time?" approach and a flexible "if the implants don't work, I'm still game to enjoy!" approach.

If you haven't heard of them, Da Dirty Hands is a camp for burners who are deaf (and, I believe, other folks who communicate with ASL in general). Their BookFace page is here: https://www.facebook.com/DaDirtyHands/ They'll be camped at 5:00 and Esplanade this year. I imagine they would be a great resource for this question.

Also, if you ever find yourself in need of an ASL interpreter (for a medical situation, etc.), any ranger or other volunteer with a radio can connect you to one. In future years, if you find yourself in a volunteering spirit, that might be a role you could play, too!

[Savannah]

Awesome Intel, BoyScoutGirl!

Welcome, panda2323!

[panda2323]

Thanks all! Btw, I don't know sign language Ill check out that camp though!

[EGAZ]

I know sign language, its easy..... Carry a marker board and some markers. Write on the sign.......



......... I'mma see myself out.......

[BoyScoutGirl]

I know sign language, its easy..... Carry a marker board and some markers. Write on the sign.......

A prominent lamplighter villager is mute as a result of surgery and communicates this way. Totally do-able out there! Make sure to have plenty of dry-erase markers, some sort of eraser, and keep everything clipped together on a carabiner or similar. Last year, this person upgraded to an electronic tablet for written communication, as it has the added benefit of being quick-erasing with a button and there's no need to for markers (just a stylus). If anyone would like further information, you can contact me using the image under my icon on the right and I can get the brand name for you.

[AntiM]

Moved to Tips and Tricks, as that is a better fit for preparation questions.

I'd guess that keeping the dust off would go a long way to keeping them clean and working. Lightweight cotton headscarves and headwraps may be helpful. Definitely keep them in a plastic bag or container when you are not wearing them. Ears collect dust out there, so bring wipes, a rinse, and swabs for ear care. Not sure if taking them out and tossing them in a plastic bag during whiteouts is feasible. An alpha whiteout can reduce visibility drastically, so removing your ability to hear could be dangerous. That's an extreme condition, but something to consider.

Are they your only set? Do you have crappy old ones to use? Can you get new ones if the dust kills them?

[Savannah]

Thanks all! Btw, I don't know sign language Ill check out that camp though!

I imagine you read lips, then? . . . One of my (non-Burner) friends does, but she also uses a notepad. If you write on a notepad at times, to communicate--or just because you'll be writing down addresses, and times, and funny things all week long--bring half a dozen "ultra fine" tip sharpies. Ballpoint pens can't handle the dust for long.

[AntiM]

Thanks all! Btw, I don't know sign language Ill check out that camp though!

I imagine you read lips, then? . . . One of my (non-Burner) friends does, but she also uses a notepad. If you write on a notepad at times, to communicate--or just because you'll be writing down addresses, and times, and funny things all week long--bring half a dozen "ultra fine" tip sharpies. Ballpoint pens can't handle the dust for long.

Some type of written communication may be vital. In a dust storm, we're all wearing masks or bandanas. I had a friend who read lips out there, dust shut down conversations quickly.

[Savannah]

Thanks all! Btw, I don't know sign language Ill check out that camp though!

I imagine you read lips, then? . . . One of my (non-Burner) friends does, but she also uses a notepad. If you write on a notepad at times, to communicate--or just because you'll be writing down addresses, and times, and funny things all week long--bring half a dozen "ultra fine" tip sharpies. Ballpoint pens can't handle the dust for long.

Some type of written communication may be vital. In a dust storm, we're all wearing masks or bandanas. I had a friend who read lips out there, dust shut down conversations quickly.

Oh my God, excellent point!

I totally didn't think about how long I sometimes sit with my mouth covered, because of storms . . .