Course in Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation)

Entrants to the Course in Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation) 11030NAT are expected to have a foundational level of knowledge in clinical subject areas before commencing this course, referred to as "assumed knowledge." To enrol, you must hold a relevant clinical qualification as determined by our criteria. 

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers 
• Allied Health Professionals
• Enrolled Nurses
• General Practice Registrars
• General Practitioners
• Midwives working remote
• Nurse Practitioners
• Other Health Professionals -  e.g. Qualified Pharmacists, Paramedics. 
• Registered Nurses

This course builds on your existing understanding of anatomy, physiology, clinical procedures, and health law. Assumed knowledge means the course content will be delivered with the expectation that students already possess this baseline expertise.

Others on application – Pharmacists who wish to advise customers seeking advice on ear wax management, medical, audiology, nursing, AHP students’ who are more than halfway through their health professional course may apply for consideration. Not open to administration staff or assistants working in clinical environments

The Course in Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation)11030NAT aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to safely undertake an ear assessment, and understand the key concepts, complications, safety, and referral processes in the practice of ear wax irrigation.

You will work with peers in the classroom to conduct simulated examinations as part of the practical skills activities.

All irrigation practice and assessments are performed on a mannequin, and the workshop focuses on wax removal using irrigation including the legal and consent considerations for ear irrigation.

Course content areas include:

• Basic ear anatomy and landmarks
• Common clinical presentations
• Wax cerumen physiology
• Wax removal equipment
• Infection control
• Contraindications to ear irrigation
• Risks associated with ear irrigation
• Ear irrigation technique
• Complications of ear irrigation
• Post-procedure education
• Documentation
• Follow-up and referral.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will:

• Understand the basic anatomy and function of the ear including the basic landmarks of the tympanic membrane
• Assess the ear to define the appropriate wax management decision, identify the risks and risk management considerations.
• Recognise complications of ear irrigation, and appropriate management, documentation, and follow up processes.
• Understand the competencies required for successful ear irrigation.

The face-to-face workshop involves lectures and practical activities involving condition recognition, ear health assessment, otoscopy, and irrigation techniques for wax removal. 

Students work with peers in the classroom to conduct simulated examinations as part of the practical skills activities. All irrigation practices and assessments are performed on a mannequin. 

The workshop focuses on wax removal using irrigation including the legal and consent issues involving ear irrigation

Building the skillset required to confidently support Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation) and improve Ear Health Assessment focussing on safe clinical practice. Be workplace ready to understand the changing treatment considerations and processes.

Students enrolled in Benchmarque Group courses should adhere to the following principles:

• Display a commitment to learning and to achieving success
• Be responsible and accountable for their own learning, behaviour and decisions
• Actively participate in all workshop activities and learning experiences
• Attend all scheduled sessions and be punctual at all times
• Complete all online assessments and workplace practice activities
• Work in harmony and respect the rights and opinions of staff and other students
• Treat others as they themselves would like to be treated
• Use acceptable language at all times

This course is designed for individuals for whom ear wax removal (irrigation) is part of their scope of practice and you are required to learn this skill for your current job role. Please see entry requirements for the list of relevant roles. 

We would strongly recommend completing the Hearing and Ear Health Foundations for Healthcare Professionals prior to attending. It is a great way to learn or revise the fundamentals of ear health in order to better prepare you for this course.

Yes, on successful completion of the course you will be accredited in ear wax removal (irrigation). Although you are technically ‘workplace ready’, to ensure best practice we recommend that you are observed by a peer in your workplace before performing irrigation procedures on clients. Please note, all irrigation activities must be undertaken in accordance with your workplace policies and procedures.

No, you are not required to complete both course, just the course that best addresses your workplace needs. Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation) and Ear Wax Removal (Microsuction) courses involve separate units of competency supporting different practices for ear wax removal.

We recommend to avoid irrigating children. There are many variables to consider other than those that are just contraindications such as:

1. Ability to tolerate the procedure.
2. History/extent of middle ear issues.
3. Genuine necessity.
4. Delicate, underdeveloped ears.

It comes down to a case-by-case scenario and should only be used after drops/tissue spears have failed and there is NO option for microsuction.