Covid-19 and cleaning your Neuro 2 sound processor

Information for all Neuro 2 users and care givers

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus is a respiratory virus that can be passed from an infected person primarily through droplets generated from coughing or sneezing, or from droplets from the nose or mouth. It may also be transmitted by people not showing symptoms. Guidelines and advice on hygiene and protective measures against the spread of Covid-19 can be found on the WHO website “Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) – advice for the public”.

During the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, some users and care givers have asked about how to best clean the Neuro 2 Sound Processor. The information below is designed to answer these questions. If you have any additional questions, please contact your local Oticon Medical representative.

The following instructions on “Cleaning your sound processor” are sufficient to ensure daily optimal care. If you believe your Neuro 2 sound processor is contaminated by Covid-19, read the second section “Disinfecting your sound processor”.

1. Cleaning your sound processor

• Before handling the Neuro 2 sound processor or any of its accessories, always wash your hands. These WHO instructions show how. 
• Clean and dry your Neuro 2 sound processor as shown in the Instructions for Use provided (care & maintenance/cleaning section). We recommend regularly cleaning your sound processor and its components on a daily basis:
  • Hold the Neuro 2 sound processor over a soft and dry surface to avoid any damage if it is dropped.
  • Clean the sound processor and its antenna with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Carefully brush away any dust, dirt or dead skin from the microphone openings with a soft brush.
    Important: Do not use any corrosive or abrasive substance to clean your sound processor.
  • Audiological cleaning wipes can be used to dissolve earwax and remove perspiration.
• Get additional information and practical tips on cleaning your sound processor from these short videos provided by Oticon Medical.

No additional cleaning instructions are required during the current pandemic.

2. Disinfecting your sound processor 

Information
By following the disinfecting guidelines, there is generally no need to disinfect your sound processor on a frequent basis. If you think it is necessary to disinfect your sound processor, use the disinfecting procedure, in the present section. It is only a recommendation based on current knowledge. The efficiency of this disinfecting procedure has not been tested on Covid-19. The long-term use of disinfectants on the sound processor has not been tested.

• Oticon Medical recommends the use of ready-to-use cleaning wipes saturated with a solution of 70% isopropanol alcohol and 30% deionized water. If these wipes are not available in your area you can use dry wipes and dip them into a similar disinfectant.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States has published a list of possible disinfectants that can be used against SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus). This information is only provided as a guide.
• Substances other than mixtures of 70% isopropanol alcohol and 30% deionized water have not been tested by Oticon Medical and may lead to degraded materials, discoloration and cracks on the housing even with a single application. If you notice any discoloration while cleaning, immediately stop applying the disinfectant, and let any remaining liquid on the device’s surface dry. Using any other solution than 70% isopropanol would be considered misuse and may void sound processor warranty.

Disinfecting procedure
The instructions below are based on the EPA list and are provided as a guide only. Always read the instructions for use of a disinfectant and keep it out of reach of children.
Thoroughly clean your hands before and after disinfecting or use clean disposable gloves. Work on a clean surface.

Materials

• Use a wipe, soft cloth(s), cotton buds/cotton swabs or pad – to apply disinfectant.
• Use a clean toothbrush or soft brush on the connector.
• Use a soft dry cloth to dry the device and remove any residual disinfectant.

Instructions

1. Wash or clean your hands and clean the audio processor as described above in “1. Cleaning your sound processor”.
2. Remove all accessories from the sound processor.
3. Use the moist wipes/soft cloth/cotton buds to carefully disinfect the surface of the device and the accessories with the 70% alcohol cleaner for around 20-30 seconds. Do not submerge/immerse the sound processor in any fluid.
4. Let the liquid dry on the device’s surface. Do not wipe dry immediately as the disinfectant needs time to act on the surface for a better disinfecting effect:
   • Do not apply too much liquid on the surface as this may damage your audio processor
   • Be especially careful when applying the disinfectant close to openings
5. If the recommended disinfectant is used and not too much liquid is applied, the substance will dry by itself. If required, use a soft dry cloth to dry any residual liquid
6. Reconnect all accessories to the sound processor.
7. The disinfection process is now complete. Always wash or clean your hands after disinfecting the device.

How to take care of your sound processor ►

For any questions or additional information, please contact your local Oticon Medical representative or customer services.