Cleaning the Ear

Cleaning the Ear

See this NEJM video for further information. The video also contains details on the proper means of holding the child during the ear exam.

Proper Cerumen Removal Checklist

Here are the cerumen removal items from the Standardized Checklist for Otoscopy Performance Evaluation (SCOPE) checklist (full article).

1. Identified need for cerumen removal
2. Asked appropriately for assistance
3. Secured and/or distracts child prior to removal attempt
4. Stabilized head
5. Used scope appropriately to aid in removal of cerumen
6. Used appropriate instrument for removal
7. Able to remove some cerumen but inadequate for appropriate TM visualization
   • removed via direct visualization via open-headed otoscope
   • removed via indirect visualization
8. Appropriately identified that cerumen removal was inadequate for TM visualization
9. Able to remove adequate cerumen for appropriate visualization of TM
   • removed via direct visualization
   • removed via indirect visualization