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Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance includes periodically cleaning and inspecting the exterior of the instrument.
It is recommended that you develop a schedule for these purposes. Unless otherwise noted, the
frequency of instrument cleaning can be determined by the user, depending on the conditions and
frequency of use. It is recommended that the instrument is cleaned at least annually.
CLEANING THE SYSTEM
Turn
OFF
the system and disconnect power before cleaning the instrument. Use a soft cloth lightly
dampened with cleaning solution to clean all exposed surfaces. Take care to not allow liquid to come
in contact with the metal parts inside the transducers (e.g., earphones / headphone). Do not permit
solutions or Disinfecting agents to seep into the electronic portions of the system. Take special care
around controls, connectors and panel edges. Remove any dust from the exterior of the system with
a soft brush or cloth. Use a brush to dislodge any dirt on or around the connectors and panel edges.
Remove stubborn dirt with a soft cloth slightly dampened with mild detergent and water. Wipe
surfaces dry afterward. Do not use instrument or transducers until they are completely dry.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Agents
According to the recommendations from the CDC, audiometric equipment is considered to be non-
critical medical equipment and typically requires cleansing followed by low- to intermediate-level
disinfecting, depending on the nature of the contamination. Cleaning should be done with a mild
soapy detergent (such as dishwashing liquid) and a damp cloth or an Endozime Sponge followed by an
application of EPA-registered hospital disinfectant. Do not use any abrasive cleaners.
Use of a non-alcohol based disinfectant is recommended for larger areas and headphones. Non-
alcohol based products contain the active ingredient referred to as quaternary ammonia compound
or hydrogen peroxide based cleaner such as Oxivir Disinfecting Wipes to clean the ear cushions,
headset, and to wipe down the machine. The quaternary ammonia compound and hydrogen peroxide
are specifically designed to disinfect rubber, plastic, silicone and acrylic products which are commonly
used in hearing evaluation instruments.
CAUTION
Many common disinfectant wipes present in hospitals contain alcohol as a main
disinfection ingredient. However, alcohol chemically denatures certain materials, such
as the material used in the ear cushion. With repeated exposure to alcohol-based
disinfectants, the earphone material will harden, crack and breakdown over time. The higher the
alcohol content of the disinfectant, the faster the earphone will be affected. If alcohol disinfectant
wipes are used to disinfect the earphone cushion it will need to be replaced more frequently than if a
non-alcohol based disinfection product is used.
