Unit 3 - Equipment set up and wax removal process

What is important to remember for softening of ear wax?

Olive oil should be used (except for patients with perforations) for a minimum of 5 days, applied 2-4 times a day.

Describe the equipment preparation

A new Zoellner suction tube used for every patient.

A new tumarkin is used for each patient and cleaned between ears.

New Jobson Horne probe is used for each patient.

Tell me about how to start the microsuction procedure

Straighten out the ear canal by pulling the pinna back and up - should be held open with a Tumarkin.

Tell me the second step about the microsuction procedure

The Tumarkin speculum should be held in place whilst holding the pinna. The remaining fingers shall rest on the cheek or behind the ear to create a secure brace.

The third step for microsuction

The Zoellner suction tube must be gently applied to the ear wax itself and never in so deep that it is placed out of sight.

How would you minimise risk to the patient?

Remove small amount of wax at a time. If the wax does not move after 5 minutes of contact, the procedure shall be stopped and the patient advised to continue with olive oil/ drops.

How to set the headloupe up?

singular vision, the magnifier to be straight and the right tumarkin size for the patient’s ears.