98 EQUIPMENT GUIDE: OPUS 2 PROCESSOR
Batteries
MED-EL cochlear implant systems have a patented power-efficient design that
supports long battery life averaging 3-5 days using three size 675 high-powered
hearing aid batteries. Using the
DaCapo
ear-level rechargeable battery pack, users
can expect an average of 10-12 hours. Another alternative is the
Remote Battery
Pack
which averages 1.5 days for a rechargeable AA and 2-3 days for an alkaline AA
battery. Battery life is not dramatically affected by individual map settings, so all users
are assured of being able to enjoy long battery life.
Note: Used batteries should be disposed of according to local regulations. Generally,
it is best not to dispose of batteries with other garbage, as they can contaminate the
environment. Batteries are toxic; if a child swallows a battery, call the nearest poison
control center immediately. It is advisable to remove batteries from the battery pack
if it will be stored for a long period of time.
Button batteries (size 675 HP)
For children using the standard, straight, children’s or BabyBTE™ wearing
options, high power hearing aid batteries, size 675, are required. It is critical that
the batteries are labeled “high power,” as high power batteries tend to provide
more consistent power over a long period of time. Some newer battery brands
are labeled “ultra” or “extra” instead of “high power.” MED-EL is continually
evaluating battery brands. Please contact the implant center or MED-EL for
recommendations of specific battery brands.
Most 675 hearing aid batteries are of the “zinc-air” variety. The power source
is activated by the influx of air through tiny holes on the flat side of the battery.
These batteries have a peel-off sticker that covers the holes until it is time to
use the battery. When the sticker is removed, the batteries are activated and
their useful lifetime begins. Zinc air batteries have a long shelf life as long as the
sticker is intact. Once the sticker is removed, it must be used and cannot be
deactivated (i.e., replacing the sticker will not conserve its useful lifetime or stop
it from discharging).
DaCapo PowerPack
To replace the DaCapo PowerPack, you will need to have a fully charged
replacement PowerPack on hand. In the event that you do not have access
to a replacement PowerPack, any of the other battery pack options described
in this guide may be used interchangeably. These batteries have approximately 500
charges each -- each charge should last about 10-12 hours.
Straight and children’s battery packs:
A small latch at the end of the battery compartment slides to disengage the
battery door. With the thumb of one hand, slide the latch in the direction of the
arrow to release it, and hold it in the open position. Holding the battery pack
between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, slide the battery
door towards the end with the latch. The cover should release and open just a
few millimeters. Lift the battery cover completely off.
When replacing the battery door, make sure that all batteries are inserted in
the proper orientation. The flat side of the battery (usually marked “+”) should
be facing outward. Do not slide the battery cover over all of the batteries or
attempt to snap it into place. Instead, simply place it directly over the batteries,
as if it were almost closed, and gently slide it into place. It is not necessary to
manipulate the latch when closing the battery door cover.
Locking battery compartment
: The children’s battery pack latch is designed
to be slightly more difficult to open, as it is often used with toddlers and small
children who are more likely to attempt to open the battery pack. It is necessary
to inser t a small object, such as a ballpoint pen or the tip of a paper clip, into the
latch in order to slide it in the direction of the arrow.
Remote battery pack:
The battery door latch is on the side of the remote
battery pack, labeled “unlock.” Slide the latch downward, holding it down, and
the top of the battery pack will slide open to reveal the battery compartment.
Insert the battery according to the diagram in the compartment. Slide the lid
back into place.
The children’s battery pack has
a
locking battery compartment
,
to prevent young children from
opening the battery pack.
A handy way to remove the used
675 batteries from the processor
is to place the flat side of the
coil against the open battery
compartment. The magnet
inside the coil will attract the
batteries, removing them from the
compartment.
GETTING TO KNOW THE AUDIO PROCESSOR
DaCapo
Battery Pack
Power Pack
Battery
Pack Lock
Place the battery door directly over
the batteries, as if it were almost
closed, and gently slide it into place.
Battery
door latch
