Ab Platinum Series User Manual - page 18
32 User Guide for the Platinum Series Sound Processor
User Guide for the Platinum Series Sound Processor 33
You should take the following basic precautions in order to reduce the chances of an
ESD event:
• Electrostaticpotentialcanbesafelyreducedbytouchinganypersonorobject
with your fingers prior to contact with a headpiece, cables or sound proces-
sor . Hand contact will safely equalize electric charge and prevent sparks from
jumping to the processor system . When approached by someone (for example
on carpet), touch him or her first with your hand prior to them touching your
external components . Parents are advised to touch their child before they touch
a headpiece or sound processor that their child is wearing . Also, before plac-
ing any part of a processor system on a table or other surface, you should first
touch the surface .
• Avoidcontactbetweenyourprocessor/cables/headpieceandmetalsurfacesbe-
fore you touch the metal surface with your hand . Children should remove their
headpiece and processor before engaging in activities that commonly create
static electricity, such as playing on plastic play equipment .
• Carefullyexitmotorvehicles,particularlyindry,coldweather.Trytoavoidcontact
between processor system components and any vehicle metal as you exit .
• Whenpossible,removeyourexternalequipmentpriortoremovingsweaters.
• Thescreensoftelevisionsandcomputermonitorsarehighlycharged.Contact
is a problem for two reasons: First, the charge on screens can cause sparks .
Second, brushing or touching a screen can transfer a charge that will then dis-
charge when you come in contact with another object or person . Do not touch
TV or computer screens .
• Usefabricsoftenerwhenwashingclothesandbedding,thiswillreducethe
likelihood of charge generation . If you strip a bed while wearing a processor
system, please remember to use your hands to safely reduce any charge
buildup you may have acquired .
REMEMBER: “Touch with hands first!”
Airport Security Metal Detectors
Metal detectors and security scanners will not damage your implant . However, the
implant system may activate the detector alarm as you pass through a security
metal detector . Remember to carry your Patient Identification Card with you at all
times . You might also hear a distorted sound caused by the magnetic field around
the security scanner door or hand-held screening wand . Turning down the volume
on your Processor before passing through security screening will ensure that those
sounds, if they occur, are not too loud or uncomfortable .
To maintain and improve the life of the headpiece microphone we recommend that
you store your headpiece in a Dry Aid kit overnight or when not in use . A Dry Aid kit
is available separately for purchase from AB and other sources . While the processor
has been built to be as sturdy as possible, it should be treated with gentle care and
attention . Additionally, you should check your cable regularly (every week or so) to
see if it is frayed or damaged . Avoid making sharp bends or kinks with the cable . If
your cable appears to be damaged, it should be replaced .
Implant Protection
The implant is capable of withstanding the effects of running, exercise and normal
activity . Regardless of the activity, precautions must be taken in order to avoid a blow
to the head, which could damage the implanted device resulting in device failure .
WARNING: When engaging in physical activities that include the possibility of
trauma or impact, extra precautions should be taken, such as using
a protective helmet, to reduce the risk of damage to the implant.
Contact sports in which blows to the head or impa ct at the implant
site are likely to occur should be avoided. If it is suspected that the
device has been damaged, contact your audiologist.
Electrostatic Discharge
Your processor and its attachments are designed to withstand most static events
without damage or interruption to your programs . However, there is a chance that
high levels of static electricity will generate extreme electrostatic discharge events
that may damage electronic components . Therefore, care should be taken to avoid
exposing the headpiece, cables or sound processor to situations in which high levels
of static electricity are created .
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is present when you feel a spark jump from your body .
ESD events are more likely to occur in very dry or cold environments . ESD events are
less common in humid areas .
High levels of electrostatic charge are known to build up under the following
circumstances:
• Walkingoncarpets
• Slidingonplasticslides
• Exitinganautomobile
• Pullingsweatersonandoff
• TouchingTVorcomputerscreens
• Removingbeddingmaterials