BSA Certificate in Otoscopy & Impression Taking (Under 5s)

1 day course – £365 per person

Available to qualified audiologists or those who have completed the BSA impression-taking course (over 5 years) and will be required to take impressions on children (under 5 years) in their work environment. Delegates will need an agreed supervisor to continue training/supervision in their work environment.

This 1-day BSA accredited course by TJ Audiology will take place at our training centre in Newbury and will include:

- A review of individual impression-taking techniques to BSA standards
- Anatomical and physical differences associated with children in relation to otoscopy, impression-taking and mould choice.
- Interaction with care givers and children, including appropriate brace positions
- Demonstration and practice with different types of equipment appropriate for use with young children
- Earmould manufacture contracts and impression-taking requirements for children according to national guidelines

A certificate will be awarded upon full attendance of the course, with successful completion of both the written and practical assessment on the day, or as homework.

Scope of Practice

This one-day training course is for delegates who already have experience in impression taking in older children/adults and/or who have completed the BSA certificate in impression-taking (over 5 years).

This course does not prepare delegates to carry out impressions where contraindications exist, and/or if there is any doubt about whether the procedure should continue. In such cases referral must be made to a suitably qualified audiological or medical professional.

Overview

The course is largely practical, and will concentrate on practical techniques and
considerations towards taking impressions in children and infants. There will be some theoretical components, including anatomy and physiology and earmould acoustics. Two assessed components (practical assessment and ongoing practice competency in the workplace) are included in the course and delegates will be required to pass both elements in order to achieve the certificate.

Aims & Learning Outcomes

To undertake otoscopy and impression-taking safely and according to BSA procedure
To recognise conditions of the ear and refer accordingly
To recognise responsibility to adhere to scope of practice and insurance/liability
To communicate effectively with clients and/or their families/carers, including those with hearing impairment
To arrange for earmould manufacture and maintain accurate records of procedure.
To experience the range of equipment available to use with paediatrics

Pre-Reading

BSA recommended procedure – Ear Examination
BSA recommended procedure – Impression Taking children under 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I suitable to undertake the course?
You need to be working with or intending to work with children who require ear
impressions. You need to have experience in taking impressions in adults or children over 5 years or have undertaken the BSA certificate in impression-taking (over 5 years). You also need access to a supervisor who will be able to observe you taking impressions in this age group (0-5 years) so that a competency log can be signed off.

How will I be assessed?
We will review your current impression-taking technique. On the day you will be assessed on the various bracing methods and techniques used in children. Your competency log will also be assessed after the training day. For this you need to have been observed taking between 5 and 10 impressions by a nominated supervisor, of which at least the last 3 impressions were competent. You will be provided with your competency log on the day.

Will I need to take part in the practice sessions?
We like (if possible) for all delegates to take part in the practical sessions, so that you can practice on each other. All delegates will have their ears checked on the day to ensure that their ears are safe for impression-taking. All those undertaking practice will have developed a safe technique on rubber ears, before moving onto real ears. When practicing on real ears, all delegates will be under close supervision. You will be asked to fill out a consent form for other delegates to practice the technique on you. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, either verbally or in writing. Do let us know if you think you will not be able / do not consent to take part in the practice sessions, so that this can be prepared for.

What if I don’t pass the course?
As the courses are small, with lots of one-to-one attention, most delegates are able to pass the course. However, in the event that you don’t pass either the theoretical or practical component of the course, you cannot be awarded the certificate. It is at the examiners discretion whether the delegate can undergo another attempt at the practical or theoretical exam. Repeat assessment may result in extra charges.

Once I am awarded the certificate – what happens next?
Competency in impression-taking can only be maintained with continuing practice and review. We recommend that you start out practicing with supervision (remote or direct) until you feel confident in carrying out impressions without supervision. At all times you should be aware and adhere to your scope of practice (see above). The BSA recommends that, following the certificate, you should have updates in impression-taking at least every two years.

Please take a look at our training calendar for details of all our upcoming courses. To book a place on this course, please complete an online booking form

Puretone Impression Kit

We are proud to partner with Puretone, the UK’s market leader in audiological equipment supplies. Their impression kit has everything you need to take ear impressions and perfect for students and experts alike.

The Puretone Impression Kit Contains:

Impression syringe, Heine Minilux otoscope (with tips), earlight, foam blocks, 660g impression material, hardener and dosing spoon, all contained in a carry case.

Sonic Labs

Our Otoscopy & Impression Taking courses now take place at Sonic Labs in Newbury. Sonic Labs is an independent manufacturer of premium quality earmoulds supplying the NHS and private dispensers across the UK.

Sonic Labs is based in Kingfisher Court, on Hambridge Road in Newbury. Their premises consists of an extensive refurbished laboratory with dedicated work stations focussed on each stage of earmould production, plus a modern administrative office, training room and separate quality control area and storage facilities.

We’re delighted to have the opportunity to offer our Otoscopy & Impression Taking training courses at Sonic Labs and Louise feels that it is the perfect training environment for this course.