Infection Control for the Hearing Healthcare Professional-Infection Control for the Hearing Healthcare Professional Slides

Infection Control for the Hearing Healthcare Professional Slides

Pdf Summary

This document provides practical considerations for infection control in audiology settings. The document outlines step-by-step procedures for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection during various procedures, such as ear mold impressions, hearing aid dispensing, accepting hearing aids from patients, and performing electroacoustic analysis of hearing aids.<br /><br />The document highlights the importance of hand hygiene, emphasizing the need to wash hands before starting any procedure. It also recommends wearing gloves when handling newly-ordered hearing aids and disinfecting them prior to providing them to patients.<br /><br />During the dispensing appointment, it is suggested to wear gloves while educating patients about proper techniques for hearing aid insertion and removal. Horizontal surfaces should be regularly disinfected in the audiology clinic.<br /><br />The document provides guidelines for accepting or receiving hearing aids or earmolds, including disinfecting them with a towelette and cleaning picks and probes unless visibly contaminated. The the entire surface of the hearing aid should be pre-cleaned and disinfected, and the aid should be attached to the listening probe of the hearing aid stethoscope for a listening check.<br /><br />For electroacoustic analysis of hearing aids, the surface of the hearing aid should be pre-cleaned and disinfected, and the aid should be attached to a coupler using standard procedures. After completing measurements, both the coupler and the listening probe should be cleaned with a towelette.<br /><br />For earmold or hearing aid modifications, the earmold/hearing aid surface should be disinfected with a fresh towelette before each use. Safety goggles, mask, and gloves should be worn during buffing/grinding procedures, and a protective cover should be positioned to minimize exposure to particles.<br /><br />The document also provides a drop-off procedure for front office staff, including disinfecting any surface that the aid came in contact with and completing a "hearing aid drop off sheet."<br /><br />In conclusion, this document serves as a comprehensive guide for maintaining infection control in audiology settings, detailing specific procedures and precautions for various aspects of audiology practice.

Keywords

infection control

audiology settings

hygiene

hand hygiene

gloves

disinfection

earmold impressions

hearing aid dispensing

electroacoustic analysis

listening probe