Assessor Resource

HLTAUD006
Remove cerumen

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for the cerumen removal process, conduct an otoscopy, and remove cerumen safely using curetting only.

This unit applies to audiometrists.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for cerumen removal

1.1 Determine client needs through review of client case history and case management plan

1.2 Clearly explain cerumen removal procedure and provide opportunity for client to ask questions

1.3 Gain client consent for extraction procedure

1.4 Set up equipment following standard protocols and infection control guidelines

2. Conduct otoscopy

2.1 Follow personal hygiene and infection control procedures

2.2 Conduct otoscopy in a non-threatening manner and produce valid, reliable and accurate results in accordance with relevant policy and procedures

2.3 Identify and respond to any abnormalities of the ear canal

2.4 Identify contra-indications to cerumen removal

2.5 Identify most appropriate method for cerumen removal taking into account results of findings

2.6 Follow cerumen softening procedures to dissolve cerumen if impaction present

2.7 Make referralto appropriate agency for further assessment and treatment

3. Remove cerumen

3.1 Select appropriately sized speculum as required

3.2 Extract cerumen using a sterilised wax ring and appropriate head light

4. Follow post-cerumen removal procedures

4.1 Complete post-cerumen removal otoscopic inspection to review status of ear canal

4.2 Address any post removal requirements using established methods

4.3 Complete accurate treatment documentation following organisational procedures

4.4 Identify the need for referral and refer client to health profession as required

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

followed established procedures and protocols to independently remove cerumen for at least 30 clients:

used cerumenolytic agents to soften cerumen, taking into account any client allergies

extracted cerumen by curette

stem any bloodflow

removed residual blood or debris post-cerumen extraction

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for cerumen removal:

duty of care

informed consent

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

records management

work role boundaries, responsibilities and limitations, indicators for referral

anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the outer and middle ear:

medical or post-surgical conditions of the outer and middle ear that alter the appearance and/or function of the external ear canal or tympanic membrane

client positioning for safe and optimal cerumen removal

how to adjust headlamp for optimal view

correct and safe curetting technique

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

sterilisation equipment

otoscope

cerumenolytic agents

means of disposing blood products

cerumen extraction equipment

modelling of industry operating conditions, including:

integration of problem solving activities

time constraints for completion of activities

provision of services to general public

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for cerumen removal

1.1 Determine client needs through review of client case history and case management plan

1.2 Clearly explain cerumen removal procedure and provide opportunity for client to ask questions

1.3 Gain client consent for extraction procedure

1.4 Set up equipment following standard protocols and infection control guidelines

2. Conduct otoscopy

2.1 Follow personal hygiene and infection control procedures

2.2 Conduct otoscopy in a non-threatening manner and produce valid, reliable and accurate results in accordance with relevant policy and procedures

2.3 Identify and respond to any abnormalities of the ear canal

2.4 Identify contra-indications to cerumen removal

2.5 Identify most appropriate method for cerumen removal taking into account results of findings

2.6 Follow cerumen softening procedures to dissolve cerumen if impaction present

2.7 Make referralto appropriate agency for further assessment and treatment

3. Remove cerumen

3.1 Select appropriately sized speculum as required

3.2 Extract cerumen using a sterilised wax ring and appropriate head light

4. Follow post-cerumen removal procedures

4.1 Complete post-cerumen removal otoscopic inspection to review status of ear canal

4.2 Address any post removal requirements using established methods

4.3 Complete accurate treatment documentation following organisational procedures

4.4 Identify the need for referral and refer client to health profession as required

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

followed established procedures and protocols to independently remove cerumen for at least 30 clients:

used cerumenolytic agents to soften cerumen, taking into account any client allergies

extracted cerumen by curette

stem any bloodflow

removed residual blood or debris post-cerumen extraction

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for cerumen removal:

duty of care

informed consent

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

records management

work role boundaries, responsibilities and limitations, indicators for referral

anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the outer and middle ear:

medical or post-surgical conditions of the outer and middle ear that alter the appearance and/or function of the external ear canal or tympanic membrane

client positioning for safe and optimal cerumen removal

how to adjust headlamp for optimal view

correct and safe curetting technique

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

sterilisation equipment

otoscope

cerumenolytic agents

means of disposing blood products

cerumen extraction equipment

modelling of industry operating conditions, including:

integration of problem solving activities

time constraints for completion of activities

provision of services to general public

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
 
Determine client needs through review of client case history and case management plan 
Clearly explain cerumen removal procedure and provide opportunity for client to ask questions 
Gain client consent for extraction procedure 
Set up equipment following standard protocols and infection control guidelines 
Follow personal hygiene and infection control procedures 
Conduct otoscopy in a non-threatening manner and produce valid, reliable and accurate results in accordance with relevant policy and procedures 
Identify and respond to any abnormalities of the ear canal 
Identify contra-indications to cerumen removal 
Identify most appropriate method for cerumen removal taking into account results of findings 
Follow cerumen softening procedures to dissolve cerumen if impaction present 
Make referralto appropriate agency for further assessment and treatment 
Select appropriately sized speculum as required 
Extract cerumen using a sterilised wax ring and appropriate head light 
Complete post-cerumen removal otoscopic inspection to review status of ear canal 
Address any post removal requirements using established methods 
Complete accurate treatment documentation following organisational procedures 
Identify the need for referral and refer client to health profession as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTAUD006 - Remove cerumen
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

HLTAUD006 - Remove cerumen

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: