Safety Features - Cochlear INERAID Owner's Handbook Manual

Batteries hold their cha rge better when sto red in
a cool location. Many people keep them in a refrig-
erator. You will be able to save money on batteries
if you buy them in bulk quantities .
SAFETY FEATURES
The IN ERAID artificial ear has been designed
with safety features to protect you. If the cable
becomes entang led the break-away safety connec-
tor will quickly disconnect the sound processor
from the ear hook. This will eliminate any excessive
tension on the tissues surrounding the percutan-
eous pedestal.
The electrical ci rc uitry in the sound processor
has been specifically desig ned to prevent electrical
discharge. However, if this did happen you would
hear a loud sound and cou ld quickly pull the break-
away con nector to disconnect the sound processor
from the pedestal.
If there is a loud noise in the environment the
electronics will automatically shut it out to prevent
too much stimuli from reaching your auditory ne rve.
This may result in a second of silence. You may
think the sound processor has a short in it since the
sound will go off briefly and then return. Please
remember that this is merely a safety feature. We
call this the A.G.C. (Automatic Gain Control).
PEDESTAL HYGIENE
It' s important to keep the area surrounding the
pedestal clean. The otologist suggests c leaning it
with cotton swabs dipped in a solution of equal parts
of water and hydrogen peroxide for at least six
w eeks after surgery. He also prescribes an antibiotic
ointment for the incision area (unless you are
allergic to antibiotics).
Your pedestal may become infected in the future.
Sometimes glasses or goggles straps rub the ped-
estal and irritate the area. One patient experienced
a problem with a n ingrown hair. A minor infection
should clea r up in 24 to 48 hours when treated with
a topical a ntibiotic. If the infection does not heal in
this time you should visit your physician. Early
treatment will clear up a problem before it has the
chance to develop into a serious complication.