The presence of earwax in the ear canal can obstruct the view of an examiner and make it difficult to diagnose conditions such as ear infections or perforations. Health professionals use curettes to remove earwax and facilitate the examination of the middle ear. There are different types of curettes; some have loops, while others have scoops at the end.
Instructions
1. Choose a curette. Use one with a scoop at the end for softer wax; harder wax needs a firm, looped curette.
2. Grab the ear to straighten the canal. If using an otoscope, slowly insert the speculum until you see the wax.
3. Slowly slide in the curette. Place your ring and pinkie fingers against the angle of the patient's jaw or cheek to stabilize your hand.
4. Make a circular motion with the curette inside the canal, then slide it out. If you have wax, wipe it off with a paper towel or gauze. If you don't have wax, examine the canal again with your otoscope. If wax still obstructs your view, slowly reinsert the curette, only slightly deeper. Repeat the circular motion and remove.
5. Discard the curette once the wax is removed and you are able to examine the middle ear.
Tips Warnings
If using an otoscope, you can slide the magnifier to the side and introduce the curette through the speculum. This way you can see the wax as you remove it.
Make sure you do not go too deep into the ear canal or you can damage the tympanic membrane. Also, do not use excessive force when removing the wax, since you can scratch the ear canal and cause pain and bleeding.
Tags: remove, curette, circular motion, using otoscope
