Brain Shunts and Headphones
 

I just had a shunt put in on May 5, 2009. Can headphones effect the shunt. I have one that can be adjusted from the outside with out surgery. I am sure that it works on magnets so was wondering if any one had problems while using headphones?

Good Question
 

GREAT QUESTION!

I am trying to figure out that too!

My daughter just had a Stratus II programmable shunt implanted. The literature we got from the hospital doesn't say anything. HOWEVER.....I went on the Medtronics website and looked at the specs for the valve. It says clearly that 'some audio headphones may cause problems'. My Neurosurgeon hadn't heard of any (obviously hadn't read the product literature) I called Medtronics to ask if there was a list....they forwarded me to the Neurosurgeon on staff where I left a voicemail but have not received a return phone call.

Any help out there?????

my son has a stratus programmable shunt and he has had no problems with head phones. yes the shunt is magnetic but it takes a strong magnet like the ones in a large speaker and i mean like they have in a club or something and even then you would have to get pretty close

Rely to orginal post
 

I have a programmable shunt also. I had it put in when I was 18 and I'll be 23 in January and I haven't had a problem with headphones. I find the ones that are like headbands that go across the top of my head to be uncomfortable because it feels like they're compressing my shunt and the valve.But, nothing is actually happening, it just bothers me.

I'd asked the same question to my ns because I have a hakim-medos progr.valve.He told me that I shouldn't use my mobile directly on my ear so I am using a bluetooth.I am using my ipod with headset and everything is ok so far:)

reprogrammable shunts and magnets
 

Our daughter has a codman reprogrammable vp shunt, and we also received no information as to the possibility of accidental resetting of the shunt. My husband found information regarding this on *edit*
This site contains information that magnets greater than 80gauss strength may affect these shunts. Eg toy magnets are approximately 100 gauss. Rare earth magnets such as neomydium are over 2000, and these are use in earphones, computer hard drives etc (see wikipaedia)
Contact with Codman also alerted us to the use of mobile phone close to site of shunt, and caution with metal detectors at airports.
Seems to be essential to do ones own reearch...so much for "informed" consent

As for the volume on headphones, if you listen to loud music for a long time(an hour or so), it can give you a pressure headache. It has done it with me.

Think of the wearing of the headphones, being like putting a speaker up next a large container of water. The same reverberations that cause the water in the container to shake, will do a number on your CSF, causing it to shake. Thus creating the headache.

What an interesting thread! I had my shunt placed when I was 23 (now I'm 25) and the only warning I got from my neurosurgeon was to avoid handheld security wands. However, I found out recently (from representatives who sell the Medtronics shunts at a hydrocephalus walk) that the chances of a security wand affecting the setting of a programmable shunt is extremely low...so I stopped worrying! Once in a while I will realize that I feel some pressure and pain near my shunt if I am on my cell phone too long, so I just end whatever conversation I am having. Thanks for all the valuable input!

ventriculoperitoneal shunt
 

I saw this page on the internet, I'm not even sure if its still up. But I'm going to try..
my son has a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, he had it placed in 2019. he is now 17 and he likes listening to his type on his headphones. We get told to get a hold of the makers of this shunt,but no clue on where to find them. But anyways. we found out he has no problems using the apple airpods or the apple airpod pros. We are trying to find out what other headphones or earbuds can be used. any information would be so helpfull

Thank you