Ear Wax Removal

This course will provide training to provide microsuction, according to current guidelines. The training is comprehensive and involves a blend of:

• Theory: You'll learn core principles of wax removal, gaining a strong theoretical grounding in cerumen, anatomy, and wax removal techniques.
• Knowledge of practice guidelines: The course is designed in, and will cover compliance with the British Society of Audiology (BSA) Practice Guidance in Aural Care (Ear Wax Removal) to focus on quality and safety.
• Trying a range of instrumentation: You'll have the opportunity to try different types of equipment such as microscopes, loupes, and manual devices.
• Testing equipment: You'll be able to try and test a range of equipment, such as different suction units.
• Hands-on practice: You'll practise correct procedures on dummy heads.
• Wax removal on patients: You'll receive 1:1 training while removing wax from patients yourself.
• Logbook completion: You'll conduct follow-on practise under direct supervision until you're considered competent.

You'll receive a university certificate following the training and logbook completion.

Course material
This blended course consists of three elements: theory, practice on real patients, and logbook completion.

E-learning theory

• Anatomy and physiology
• Cerumen characteristics
• Degrees of impaction
• Pathology of the outer and middle ears
• Common ear problems: pain, infections, earache
• Foreign bodies

Ear wax removal

• Illumination and magnification
• Removal instrumentation
• Consumables

Ear wax removal techniques

• Best practice guidelines
• Recommended procedures
• Scope of practice
• Contraindications
• Potential problems
• Minimising liability

Procedure

• Patient advice
• Case history and risk assessment
• Informed consent
• Communication techniques
• Record keeping and documentation
• Imaging before and after wax removal
• Infection control
• PPE
• Medication concerns
• Aftercare and complications
• Technique
• Case study discussion and review

Practical training

• Overview of theoretical concepts
• Equipment overview and equipment handling
• Bracing techniques
• Ear examination techniques
• Identification of safe practice techniques
• Tutorials and demonstrations to operate equipment
• Dummy head practice
• Pathology identification
• Real patient demonstration
• Real patient practice

Logbook

• Continuation of practice under direct supervision
• Logbook completion

Course team
The course is run by experienced audiologist and wax removal experts, with support from ARU academic personnel.

Robert Johns (DipHE, MSc, RHAD): Audiologist, Hearing Therapist and Head of Service at Novus Health Ltd.
Rob Johns has been with Novus for over 10 years and has a range of wax removal competencies. He enjoys teaching and supporting trainees improve their wax removal skills whilst maintaining safe practice.

Ben Price (DipHE, RHAD): Audiologist and RHAD at Novus Health
Ben is a fully qualified Hearing Aid Dispenser. His experience regarding wax removal focuses on all the main techniques, but predominantly micro-suction. He is passionate about delivering safe, comfortable care and helping others build confidence in clinical practice. His aim is to keep training friendly, supportive, and hands-on, and is always happy to share his experiences.

The course is supported by Guymark and DP Medical.

Past trainee comments
"I found the wax removal days on campus very helpful; without those training days I would not have had the confidence or real experience of heading out into my own clinics. So, thank you!"

"Personally, I found the wax removal course invaluable! I feel this is probably one of the most intrusive parts of the audiology process and without the level of training in wax removal provided I may have struggled to build my confidence. However thanks to the course I find wax removal less daunting."

"The 2 days course was very insightful. It was very helpful to see the the live feed on the big screen and really helped fill me with confidence that should I be doing something wrong then the advice could be given in situ."