Undertake examination of the external ear

This standard covers examination of the individual's external ear only.  It does not include further treatment that might be recommended following examination of the ear.

The examination could be carried out in a variety of care settings, including hospitals – both for in and out patients, GP surgeries, nursing and residential homes, and in the individuals own home.

The term "individuals" is intended to cover adults and children, though there may be internal policies and protocols which restrict the group on whom you can perform ear examinations.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and carers and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and other relevant health and safety measures
9. check the individual's identity and confirm the planned action
10. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
11. collect the equipment, ensure that it is in good working order, particularly ensuring that the batteries in the otoscope have sufficient power to produce a white light and securely attach a disposable or clean re-useable ear piece
12. position the individual to enable easy access to the ear for the examination
13. position yourself at the same level as the individual to be able to undertake the examination with the individual's safety and your comfort in mind
14. hold the equipment in a correct manner to ensure complete safety and comfort for the individual and allow the best visual field for you
15. check the condition of the external ear and surrounding skin and note any abnormalities
16. choose the correct size speculum according to the size of the ear canal and attach it firmly to the otoscope
17. hold the pinna in the correct way to straighten the external ear canal and insert the otoscope gently and view the external ear, looking for any abnormalities
18. examine the ear thoroughly and cause as little discomfort as possible
19. remove the otoscope from the ear and remove the speculum and place ready for cleaning
20. inform the individual about the examination process, findings and outcomes
21. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
22. note your findings and report to an appropriate member of staff for further action if there is a blockage of the canal
23. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the importance of applying standard precautions to  undertaken examination of the external ear and the potential consequences of poor practice
13. the anatomy of the ear (external, middle and inner)
14. why it is important to examine the external ear only
15. the signs and symptoms an individual may complain of which leads you and others to suspect a problem with the external ear
16. the types of hearing loss and how to improve communication with individuals who are hard of hearing
17. why you need to tell the individual what you are doing
18. the purpose of an otoscope and how it works
19. what you would do if the otoscope was not functioning properly
20. how to clean all types of re-useable equipment
21. why it is important to position the individual and yourself correctly for the examination
22. the safe way to hold and use the equipment and why this is important
23. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
24. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS20

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Examination, ear, external

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