Cerumen Management (SoundBoard – Feb. 2015)-Cerumen Management (SoundBoard

Cerumen Management (SoundBoard – Feb. 2015)

Pdf Summary

Cerumen management, or the removal of earwax, is a common procedure performed by audiologists and hearing aid specialists. Despite being approved by professional organizations, many practitioners are hesitant to perform this procedure due to a lack of proper training and experience, as well as traditional physician-driven management practices. Cerumen, which is a combination of secretions and other substances, serves various functions in the ear. However, when it obstructs the ability to provide hearing health care services, it should be removed. There are four options available when a patient has excessive cerumen: test immediately, refer to a physician, suggest home remedies, or remove the cerumen in the office. Removing the cerumen in the office is usually the best option, as studies have shown that even partially occluded ears can compromise audiometric data. Proper training, case history review, and informed consent are important before starting the procedure. Infection control is crucial during cerumen management, and proper protocols should be followed. The room should be properly set up, with the patient and clinician seated comfortably, and the patient adequately draped. Illumination and magnification are important during the procedure, and various tools, such as electric headlights, head mirrors, operating microscopes, otoscopes, and video otoscopes, can be used. There are also various tools available for cerumen removal, such as irrigation products, hand-held instruments, cerumenolytics, and aural suction devices. It is important to correctly identify what is being removed from the ear, and resources, such as websites and images, can be used for guidance. Developing expertise in cerumen management requires practice, starting with easier cases before moving on to more difficult ones. If necessary, patients can be referred to a physician for cerumen removal.

Keywords

Cerumen management

earwax removal

audiologists

hearing aid specialists

training

excessive cerumen options

audiometric data compromise

informed consent

infection control

cerumen removal tools