Ear Care Update

Theory

• Identify the anatomy and physiology of the ear
• List some common ear problems and their symptoms/signs
• Understand the medico legal requirements in ear care when you   are an HCA/GPN
• Know how to keep up to date in ear care
• Develop a protocol for ear syringing with your mentor

Practice

• Be competent in ear assessment
• Identify 5 landmarks on the tympanic membrane
• List 3 common symptoms in ear infection and identify where these   may be
• Complete 6 ear assessments under supervision and be passed to   irrigate under supervision

Learning outcomes for ear care update

• Revise A and P of the ear
• Revise common signs and symptoms of ear   infection
• Describe 5 landmarks on the tympanic membrane
• Demonstrate competency in ear irrigation
• Can either describe your current ear care   protocol or learn how to devise one using peer group work
• Review use of ceruminolytics and devise PIL if   not using one at present
• Discuss current resources used to keep up to date