Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:37 PM AWST

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Manage and remove cerumen

Manage and remove cerumen

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAUD014
State Code
OFH81
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Pending
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/12/2025
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
Description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to check for and remove cerumen in adult clients.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.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for cerumen removal
  • 1.1 Review client case history and case management plan to determine client needs
  • 1.2 Identify contraindications to cerumen removal from the medical history and refer to appropriate health professionals for further assessment and treatment
  • 1.3 Explain cerumen removal procedure and encourage client to ask questions
  • 1.4 Gain client consent for cerumen removal procedure
  • 1.5 Set up equipment according to organisational and infection control procedures
2. Conduct otoscopy
  • 2.1 Follow personal hygiene and infection control, including hand hygiene, correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of materials, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.2 Conduct otoscopy and maintain client comfort according to organisational procedures
  • 2.3 Identify contraindications and precautions to cerumen removal
  • 2.4 Identify most appropriate method for cerumen removal based on otoscopy findings
  • 2.5 Soften cerumen according to cerumen softening procedures
  • 2.6 Make referrals to an appropriate agency for further assessment and treatment according to organisational procedures, when cerumen removal cannot be completed safely
3. Remove cerumen
  • 3.1 Select speculum size that meet client needs
  • 3.2 Extract cerumen using equipment according to infection control procedures
  • 3.3 Monitor client to identify and manage risks throughout the cerumen removal procedure
4. Follow post-cerumen removal procedures
  • 4.1 Complete post-cerumen removal otoscopic inspection to review status of ear canal
  • 4.2 Address post removal requirements according to organisational procedures
  • 4.3 Educate and counsel clients about external ear care
  • 4.4 Document treatment according to organisational procedures
  • 4.5 Identify the need for referral and refer client to other health professionals
  • 4.6 Clean and store equipment according to organisational procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA62 HLTAUD006 Remove cerumen Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BTS0 HLT57425 Diploma of Audiometry Qualification