What is Ear Irrigation?

Ear irrigation is a routine procedure used to remove excess earwax, or cerumen, and foreign materials from the ear. The ear naturally secretes wax to protect and lubricate the ear as well as to keep debris out and hinder bacterial growth.

How does ear irrigation work?

Ear irrigation is an ear cleansing method that people use to remove a build-up of earwax. Irrigation involves inserting liquid into the ears to flush the earwax out. The medical term for earwax is cerumen. A build-up of earwax can cause symptoms such as impaired hearing, dizziness, and even ear pain.

Can I train to syringe ears?

There are many validated training courses available to HCAs for training in ear irrigation. They require the HCA to have a mentor who monitors and supports them in their practice.

Is Ear Cleaning painful?

Experts recommend having your ears professionally cleaned if you're experiencing any pain, itching or hearing loss. Ear cleaning, however, is a simple procedure that is pain-free, although may feel uncomfortable at first.

Ear Irrigation

Course Description

Our Ear Irrigation course supports healthcare assistants and Registered Nurses to provide basic ear care, including irrigation, safely and effectively. The course covers a wide range of ear care topics from tinnitus to ear drops, as well as giving delegates a detailed understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the ear itself. Through this, participants are able to build on their skills with the aim of providing exceptional care to patients on completion of the course.

The course will be delivered by one of our highly experienced educators. All of our team are subject matter experts within their specialist area of practice ensuring that information delivered is completely up to date and in line with current best practice. We are also able to tailor courses to the needs and requirements of your healthcare organisation for a bespoke training solution.

Please note: delegates on the Ear Irrigation course are required to receive supervision from an appropriate mentor to support their learning and practical application in the workplace.

Duration

3 to 6 hours

Our Ear Irrigation course lasts between 3 and 6 hours depending on the needs and requirements of your organisation.

Syllabus

Anatomy and physiology of the outer, middle and inner ear
Otoscopy
Ear wax
Ear drops
Cholesteatoma
Perforations
Consent and documentation
Contraindications to ear irrigation
Decontamination of equipment
Ear irrigation procedure
Accountability
Tinnitus
Role of the mentor

Guardian Angels Training will provide the necessary competency proformas required to ensure safe and evidenced-based clinical practice following completion of the Ear Irrigation training course. This will then allow the Registered Provider to ensure mandatory competency assessments are completed within the workplace by a nominated mentor/supervisor.

If further advice regarding competency assessments is required, or if you would like our Registered Nurse Trainers to provide onsite competency assessments, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Ear Irrigation

Course Description

Duration

Syllabus

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