Comprehensive Cerumen Management Hybrid Course
Make the most of your trip to Toronto! SAC is intentionally offering this course the day before our Audiology Event to allow conference attendees save time and travel costs.
Abstract
Online theory: 4.5 hours (to be completed prior to in-person workshop)
In-person workshop: 3 hours
May 11, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET or 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET
Presenter: Kristopher Hewitt, BC-HIS, RHIP; Amy Trusler, AuD, RAUD, RHIP; Dan Paccioretti, MSc Aud(C) RAUD, RHIP
Pacific Audiology Group’s Comprehensive Cerumen Management hybrid course (online theory + in-person workshop) is designed for healthcare professionals who have cerumen management within their scope of practice. The program includes an online prerequisite course followed by a hands-on learning lab using state of the art simulation ears and cerumen. The program focuses on the three main methods of cerumen removal: instrumentation, irrigation and microsuction.
The online course content covers the theory of cerumen removal including ear anatomy, cerumen theory, assessment steps, cerumen characteristics, equipment training, technique, infection control, referrals, documentation and discharge. Additionally, the online segment includes high-quality training and demonstration videos which take the user step-by-step through all aspects of performing cerumen management, ensuring students can learn by observing proper technique. The course focuses on current best practices and is designed to give the student the ability to learn from home on their own time and at their own pace. Approximately 4.5 hours in length, the online program includes quizzes to evaluate the user’s understanding throughout the course. Upon completion, a Certificate of Completion is available.
Following completion of the online course, attendees complete a fully hands-on workshop with a maximum of 6:1 student to instructor ratio. Completion of the online program is a prerequisite for attending the hands-on training. The hands-on workshop will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Attendees will have the opportunity to both observe and perform simulated cerumen extraction (using the CARL simulator) and potential for real extraction from attendees who give consent to have an instructor or another professional remove cerumen from their ears.
Learning objectives:
- Theory & background - By completing this course you will gain the theoretical knowledge necessary to safely practice cerumen management. This includes ear anatomy, cerumen composition, pathophysiology of impaction, needs and risk assessment, referrals, and documentation.
- Equipment & technique - By completing this course you will learn extensively about the tools which are used to safely practice cerumen management, and you will learn the techniques used to safely remove cerumen. Upon completion, you will have a thorough understanding of the equipment and techniques commonly used in cerumen management, including lighting and magnification, softening agents, manual removal including curettes and forceps, irrigation, and micro suction.
- Professionalism - By completing this course you will learn about the ethical issues of informed consent and infection control as they pertain to cerumen management. You will understand that the scope of practice for cerumen management can vary based on your professional designation, regulatory body, and geographic region, and you will understand the importance of staying within your scope of practice.
Topics
- General Cerumen Information – Cerumen composition/anatomy as well as production biology. Prevalence of impaction, and indications to address. Discusses scope of practice.
- Ear Anatomy & Physiology – Anatomy review of the ear, focusing on anatomy specific to cerumen removal. Review of common conditions of the outer ear.
- Case History & Ear Examination Process – This section reviewed the pre-removal process and the key components of this. Including: otoscopy specific to cerumen removal, informed consent, cerumen removal case history, risk assessment, referral indication, modifying factors and precautions with a case example.
- Infection Control – Best practices in infection control review, including hand hygiene, sterilization vs disinfection vs cleaning and indications for cerumen management. A special focus on cerumen management in the age of Covid-19. Prevention of post removal infections.
- Equipment – A thorough review of all equipment commonly used in cerumen management. Including Lighting, magnification, softening agents, irrigation, manual removal and suction equipment, office furniture. As well as live video training from our team on a variety of equipment.
- Methods of Cerumen Management – Explanation of the process of cerumen removal for all three main methods of removal: Instrumentation, Suction, Irrigation, including video demonstrations of live removal by the instructors. This section also contains non-recommended methods of removal, prevention of cerumen buildup and patient handouts.
- After Cerumen Management – A review of the post removal process, including addressing any bleeds or wet ears. The creation of a cerumen management plan and what is included as well as the documentation/discharge process.
Intended Audience:
- Audiologists
- Students
This Session Pertains To:
- Adults (18-64)
Level:
- Introductory (Assumes little or no familiarity with the literature and professional practice within the areas covered.)
- Intermediate (Assumes general familiarity with the literature and professional practice within the areas covered.)
Presenter Biographies
Kristopher Hewitt, BC-HIS, RHIP
Kris is an experienced Hearing Care Professional who has diverse experience within wholesale, clinic retail, as well as private practice ownership. Prior to founding Pacific Audiology Group, Kris worked in product education with Siemens Hearing Instruments before becoming the business development manager for Demant (Oticon) for several years. Kris later purchased his own private practice, completed a renovation, re-brand, and upgrade to a digital and paperless database, and operated it prior to selling in 2019. He brings a unique perspective to the business side of hearing healthcare and understands what it takes to be successful in private practice. Currently Kris is licensed as a Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner in British Columbia by the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC) and holds an advanced certificate in cerumen management. He also serves as a board and committee member with the CSHBC.
Amy Trusler, AuD, RAUD, RHIP
Amy holds her doctorate in Audiology Studies (AuD) from A.T. Still University and has an exceptional care record in audiology. Previously a clinic owner in her hometown of Squamish, British Columbia, Amy has worked closely with First Nations Communities initiating a Rural Audiology Care program. She has provided educational mentorship to several students and has given community lectures and presentations. Amy has designed courses in audiology for clients and audiologists alike. On the business side of things Amy understands the demand of a clinic owner and approaches everything she does with a high degree of empathy for the demands of that position. Amy sold her practice and followed her calling to work in a more diverse manner in the field, founding Pacific Audiology Group, a consulting firm focused on education, research and supporting audiologists and other hearing care professionals. Currently, Amy is licensed to practice audiology and fit hearing aids in British Columbia by the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC) and holds an advanced certificate in cerumen management.
Dan Paccioretti, MSc Aud(C) RAUD, RHIP
A graduate from San Francisco State University with a master’s degree in Communication Disorders, Dan has 40 years of experience as an audiologist, educator, and researcher. He has worked in hospitals, public health clinics, education, and the hearing aid manufacturing industry. Dan has provided hearing health care related services, and developed related programs, for deaf and hard of hearing individuals of all ages, with a special focus on school-aged children and older adults. He has conducted and published research and is currently acting as a Research Audiologist for a study looking at older adults’ ability to benefit from advanced technology in noisy environments. Dan participated in the development of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Assistive product specifications and how to use them” guide published in 2021, with contributions to the sections on hearing aids and FM systems. Currently he is licensed to practice audiology and fit hearing aids in British Columbia by the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC). He holds certification in cerumen management and frequently mentors others in this area. Dan is an active member of Speech and Hearing BC and Speech & Audiology Canada (SAC) and holds SAC certification in Audiology.
Registration Fees
| Early Bird Price (until April 13, 2023) | Regular Price | |
|---|---|---|
| SAC / ASHA Member | $300 | $375 |
| Non-Member | $425 | $500 |
Registration deadline: April 27, 2023 – 12:00 midnight (ET)
SAC members must sign in at the top of the registration page to receive the member rate.
There is a maximum of 36 spots for this workshop.
You will be assigned to the morning or afternoon time slot closer to the course.
ASHA Members:
- Are required to provide proof of membership.
- Please contact Bev Cooper prior to registering for more information.
Cancellation Policy
- An administration fee of $75.00 will apply to all refunds.
- Requests for refunds must be received by April 13, 2023.
- No refunds after April 13, 2023.
- Please email Bev Cooper to request a refund.
CEEs
This workshop is eligible for 7 SAC CEEs.
Online Access
You will receive your login information for the online theory portion in a couple days.
Location
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
525 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2L2
