Participants should bring whatever materials and equipment they use now or would like to use in cerumen management. However, they are not required to have such equipment with them. At this time, participation is limited to (10) participants at a time. The program is suitable for both audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. Every feasible hygienic accommodation will be taken in light of the current COVID situation.   

Learning Objectives:

1. Review of FDA regulation relative to otoscopy and case history discovery relative to referral and dispensing tasks.
2. Describe diseases of the ear and the role of EAC mechanoreceptors and neuroreflexes as they present in the dispensing and audiology practice.
3. Differentiate between impacted cerumen, keratosis obturans, EAC cholesteatomas and other abnormalities.  
4. Demonstrate competent cerumen management within scope of practice and intent relative to the IHS (updated) model Uniform Licensing Law.
5. Execute appropriate patient disclosures, consent, and ear care instructions for hearing aid users.

Course Outline (8) CEUs Intermediate Level 

Introduction: History & Scope of Practice Relative to Cerumen Management in Dispensing‍

Video Otoscopy [8:30am-10:30am] 2.0 CEUs

1. Physiological biomarkers of the external auditory canal
2. Landmarks of the human tympanic Membrane
3. FDA Red Flag Review
4. Introduction to External Auditory Canal Neuroreflexes
5. Fitting Considerations      

Understanding Cerumen Impaction & EAC Anomalies [10:30am-12:00pm] 1.5 CEUs

1. Differentiating keratosis obturans vs external ear cholesteatoma
2. Basic bacteriology of the external meatus
3. Role of keratin and other markers of a healthy ear‍

Review of Diseases of the Ear & Referral [1:00pm-2:30pm} 1.5 CEUs

1. Differentiation with audiometric data
2. Differentiation with tuning fork tests
3. Differentiation with impedance audiometry  

Cerumen Management Principles & Protocols [2:30pm-5:30pm] 3.0 CEUs

1. Medicolegal considerations per IHS updated model law
2. Insurance Regulations
3. Informed Consent (Role Play)
4. Rules of hygiene (Observation & Discussion)
5. Methods, Management, Equipment (hands on)
6. Patient ear care instructions (Role Play)
7. Final Examination (Self-Graded)