A method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing at least a portion of the surface of a stethoscope is provided. Methods and devices are provided by which a device or apparatus can generate a sterilizing plasma such that a stethoscope, or portion of a stethoscope, can be placed within or near the device or apparatus so that the plasma disinfects and/or sterilizes and/or decontaminates at least a portion of the stethoscope. A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a self-disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing and/or self-decontaminating stethoscope and stethoscope disinfecting and/or sterilization apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing, respectively, all or at least a portion of a stethoscope.
