Ear examination- CCA station 1

  1. Introduce self, role.

  2. Confirm patient’s name, DOB.

  3. Ask reason for visit.

  4. Had ear exam before?

  5. explain procedure

  6. obtain consent from patient

  7. Hand hygiene

  8. Start exam- inspect pinnae (top of ear), mastoid (behind ear), pre-auricular region (near tragus) and conchal bone (divot next to tragus) for any abnormalities. (I’m just going to have a look at the outside of your ear to start with)

  9. State no abnormalities

  10. Palpate tragus (flap above ear hole), pre-auricular (next to tragus), post-auricular region (behind ear) and lymph nodes. check for swelling. (Now i’m going to feel the area around your ear to check for swelling).

  11. State no abnormalities

  12. check for any ear discomfort/pain and use otoscope.

  13. Pull pinna upwards and backwards, insert otoscope and look at external auditory canal

  14. State normal

  15. Assess tympanic membrane- colour, shape, light reflex, evidence of perforation and scarring.

  16. Remove otoscope, state end of exam

  17. thank patient, wash hands

  18. state ear condition and ask if they would like to explore treatment options.