Q. What special care must I give to my incision site?
A. Because there is no abutment, there are no daily routines for cleaning the skin once the incision line from surgery is healed.
Q. Will I have to have hair permanently removed?
A. No. In fact, after healing the hair will grow back over the incision site.
Q. Do children need to learn a daily routine or have to take special care with their Alpha 1?
A. No. Once the surgical incision is healed, there is no daily routine for them to learn. Additionally, there is no protruding abutment to catch on material or be disturbed or be disturbed by a playmate that can cause the need for a surgical revision.
Q. When can an Alpha 1 user return to normal activity post –surgically?
A. Because the implant is placed on an outpatient basis, patients routinely return home the same day. One day of rest is all that is usually required before returning to normal activity.
Q. Should the Alpha 1 be worn all the time?
A. Sleeping is easier without the device, and the processor should not be subjected to water from swimming, baths or showers. Other than that, wear it as much as you like. If you plan on strenuous physical activity where jarring might occur, Sophono offers a set of stronger magnets that will keep the unit securely in place when engaging in rigorous exercise or sports.
Q. What type of batteries are required, and where do I get them?
A. The Alpha 1 processor uses 675 type batteries. Many pharmacies and supermarkets carry these batteries, and they are available from your audiologist.
Q. How can I obtain an Alpha 1 for myself or my child?
A. Simply contact your physician or audiologist to see if Alpha 1 is right for you or your child. They need only to contact us, and Sophono and your healthcare provider will do the rest.
