We’re running this course on 22nd & 23rd January 2025. BOOK NOW to secure your space.
Online learning, followed by a 2 day course in Newbury – £895 per person
We’re excited to announce that we’re now offering an Ear Wax Removal (Aural Care) training course. This course will teach delegates the necessary knowledge and skills for competence in ear wax removal (aural care).
The course covers all aspects of ear wax removal (aural care), including the anatomy and physiology of the ear, and safe removal method (both irrigation and microsuction techniques).
To ensure that the course is comprehensive and meets any future changes in UK wax removal guidelines, the course will consist of online learning, plus a 2-day session at our training location in Newbury.
On day one of the course in Newbury there will be a synopsis of your online learning and related topics, and we’ll cover all aspects of ear wax removal (aural care), safe removal methods (manual, irrigation and microsuction techniques) and practice on dummies. On day two of the course you’ll gain hands-on experience by performing wax removal procedures on patients from Tracy James Hearing.
A certificate will be awarded after a supervised training in the workplace along with a submitted evaluation of a case study.
Course Summary
This course is suitable for registered professionals in the audiology, medical or nursing profession who are registered with a statutory body such as the HCPC, NMC, GMC, or on a PSA register such as the RCCP or AHCS). Non-registered health care professionals such as hearing and healthcare assistants (HCA) can also attend.
A minimum of 20 hours of classroom and online training is required, unless relevant prior learning and experience can be demonstrated. Such training must include an appropriate number of supervised practical sessions (see below).
Our Ear Wax Removal (Aural Care) course will train you in the following:
- Understanding of anatomy and physiology
- Contraindications for aural care
- Obtaining appropriate consent for the procedure to be performed
- Referral criteria and process
- Infection control and health and safety
- Safe techniques for aural examination using a range of equipment
- Knowledge of techniques and range of equipment available for aural care procedures
- Training in how to perform manual, irrigation and microsuction wax removal
- Perform correct and safe aural care using the most appropriate method(s) and equipment available to clear the external ear canal of wax or debris such as hair, keratin etc.
- Identify any underlying pathology and decide whether the ear has been satisfactorily treated, and whether further treatment or referral is needed.
Supervised Practical Sessions
After training on wax removal techniques, submission of evidence of at least 6 supervised sessions in the workplace are required with 6-8 weeks of training. A submission of a case study reflection is additionally required to ensure that students have understood what is required for safe and effective practice.
Course Objectives
On successful completion of training, you will be able to demonstrate:
- Communication with patients, parents or significant others (including those with hearing loss)
-
- Issuing clear and appropriate instructions and information
- Obtaining informed consent
-
- Correct management of infection control
-
- Correct procedures for personal hygiene and disinfection
- Equipment cleaning and maintenance
- Correct handling and disposal of waste and instruments
-
- Understanding health, safety and risks associated with the procedure
-
- Aware of risks of undertaking aural care procedures
- Informing patients or significant others about risks
-
- Understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology
-
- Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the outer and middle ear
- Identification of the structures of the outer ear
- Examination of the ear with and without magnification
- Ability to recognise abnormal conditions and refer accordingly
-
- Understanding of medico legal issues
-
- Knowledge of current issues
- Contraindications for aural care
- Obtaining appropriate consent for the procedure to be performed
- Referral criteria and process
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- Maintain accurate records of tasks undertaken
-
- Correct use of equipment
-
- Perform thorough and safe otoscopy on adults and children (over 10 yrs old)
- Safe technique for aural examination using a range of equipment
- Perform correct and safe aural care using the most appropriate method(s) and equipment available to clear the external ear canal of wax or debris such as hair, keratin etc.
- Identify any underlying pathology and decide whether the ear has been satisfactorily treated, and whether further treatment or referral is needed
- Knowledge of techniques and range of equipment available for aural care procedures
-
Please note: Ear Wax Removal should only be undertaken by those whose job description specifically includes it, and where an employer has identified who is liable in the event of any claim for accident or injury etc.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Am I suitable to undertake the course? No previous training is required to attend this course. However, it is better suited to those who already have experience in otoscopy. Those attending the course should be employed or due to be employed to carry out wax removal in their field with some access to direct and/or remote supervision after training, in addition to the hours of direct supervision required from TJ Audiology Training.
Do I need to prepare for the course? You will be asked to do 3 hrs of pre-reading prior to the course, this will be online tutorials which you will be sent 3-4 weeks prior to the course. Otoscopy training prior to the course and observation of wax clinics, if possible, will be immensely helpful to you when you attend the course.
How will I be assessed? You will be assessed on the 2nd day of the course at our training centre in Newbury. You will also need to provide 6 supervision sessions from your workplace (which meet our criteria of safe practice) in addition to a presentation online of a case study that you have seen. If you pass all these sessions then a certificate will be given.
Can I learn only one technique? The course teaches all methods; manual removal, irrigation and microsuction. If your workplace only does one type and you can only be supervised for that wax removal method after the training, then the certificate issued will be only for that method. (for example, if you only irrigate then we will only provide the certificate for that method).
Will I need to take part in the practice sessions? Yes – this is an important component of the course.
What if I don’t pass the course? We cannot issue a certificate unless you pass the course. It may be that you need more supervised sessions and after having those and being satisfied that you can work safely, a certificate may be awarded.
Once I am awarded the certificate – what happens next? We recommend that you continue to have supervision for your first few clinics to ensure that your techniques are improving and that you can be supported if any unusual situations occur.
Are there any other training courses that I can do? Yes we offer courses in Audiometry and Tympanometry and Otoscopy and Impression Taking.
How do I book a place on a course? Please submit an online booking form, or you can email [email protected]
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