Helmet help!?

[TheQueenOfDiamonds]

I'm looking for some info i cant seem to find much of on the internet about riding helmets.. Was wondering if you could help/advise!

My daughter is profoundly deaf, And uses Cochlear Implants. The external device sits over the ear and attatched to the back of the skull via a magnet that is inside the head.

I want to get her a pony sometime in the next year.. But i'm struggling with a riding helmet. The device makes it so that a correctly fitted helmet would mean she couldn't wear the device (I would happily translate for her but her Dad doesn't want her to do it without her processors). I don't want to put an incorrectly fitted helmet on her not only for obvious reasons but if she injured her head badly enough the internal devices could split the skin and come out. So safety is an absolute must, And i would want one before i buy any pony as i'd prefer her to wear it at all times around the stables.

Is there any way of getting a helmet modified without compromising the safety regulations, Or any brand of helmet that makes the inside a sort of memory foam type thing (If you know what i mean) to accomodate these things?

Sorry for the long boring post, I can't seem to find any advice other than 'get a bigger size' on the internet which isn't something i'm willing to do really.

That is a difficult one, obviously 'buy a bigger size' isn't an option as they are supposed to be a snug fit. The only thing I can think of is to email one of the manufacturers directly and ask if there is any way a hat could be modified without compromising safety. It might be possible to have a bigger hat padded if it was done properly with the right materials I suppose.

It would be better for insurance too, if you could show you had consulted the manufacturers.

You could speak to the RDA, they are bound to have come across similar situations.

Hi, my friend's son has this and although he doesn't ride we live in Holland so he's on the child seat of her bicycle a lot. She had the helmet fitted at the cycle shop then they cut away some of the padding so that the impact could sit "flush". I guess she'll do the same for his ski helmet when the time comes (he's only 2).

Implant, not impact!

Talk to CICS as they are the main group for implanted children and have been great with advice. Also the American yahoo group has loads of American football playing kids so they will have thought it all through. My Dd is in the same position, we tighten the magnets and move some of the padding in her bike helmet, I would suggest a bigger size with extra moulded padding might work in a riding helmet

SOCCP - The people advising just buy bigger sizes said they work for the RDA! So i'm not holding up much hope as according to them thats what they do and advise regularly.

Alpine - TBH i think it is as simple as that and its not a difficult modification at all, But i want it done properly because i don't want to void the safety regulations hats have to pass IYGM?

HP - Thankyou, Lily's Dad suggested finding out the main implant group sort of thing and asking for advice.

I don't want a bigger size. That's not an option ever. It has to be fitted to her head without the the magnets on, And then adapted to accomodate them IYGM?

I don't mean to come across as a bit paranoid, But i've suffered a significant head injury which could have been prevented if i'd not stupidly worn a hat that was too big for me.

Thankyou for the responses xx

Just an idea, it might not be suitable at all but you never know: have you tried the new Uvex? They have an adjustable, tightening mechanism on the inside of the hat. There is a small chance this design may allow room for the implants but also fit snuggly.

Booboostoo - I didnt think of that but will look into it :)

Yup google Children's cochlear implant support group. I would try some kind of beanie (tight like a swimming cap) then you know the magnets are tight and in place then try on as many hats as you can in a big tack shop. Final alternative is to get one made !

PROtector make the hats to each person's measurements anyway so they may be able to help.

Contact Charles Owen- www.charlesowen.co.uk/ They would prbobably be able to help you, they are very good.