Oaktree Products offers a unique line of NeoZoline cerumen removal instruments in both stainless steel and disposable options. The stainless steel NeoZoline Alligator Forceps have been annodized in a non-reflective powder coating, resulting in a black-colored instrument. The advantage of the coating is that it will absorb light, eliminating light reflections when the ear canal is illuminated with an otoscope or other light source. Also, the price of the stainless steel NeoZoline forceps is less expensive than other stainless steel forceps. The NeoZoline forceps is available in both a standard (7mm jaw length, item #M1730) and fine (4mm jaw length, item #M1731) size. Since these instruments are critical instruments, they must be cleaned and then sterilized prior to reuse as outlined in OSHA infection control standards.
NeoZoline also offers a line of disposable instruments. Rather than plastic, these instruments are comprised of a carbon fiber/nylon material which results in a much more rigid instrument compared to traditional plastic disposable instruments. This translates to a disposable instrument that handles more like a stainless steel instrument and, therefore, more effective in extracting drier cerumen, all at a disposable instrument price! Carbon fiber/nylon Buck curettes (item #NZ3431) and right angle hooks (item #NZ3441) are available in boxes of 100. Disposable instruments are considered one-time only instruments and must be disposed of after use with one patient. Perfect for the audiologist on the go or someone who does not remove cerumen often but needs access to relatively inexpensive mechanical tools.
I have always worked with physicians and have never had to do cerumen removal.
I am now working at a hearing aid dispensing office, which sells Lyrics as well as conventional aids, and am expected to do ceumen removal. I’ m very apprehensive
and reluctant to start with only viewing an aud. online cerumen management course and reading a few articles as training. Do you know of any workshops or training that I could attend prior to AAA?
Nancy:
A good contact is Rita Chaiken; her e-mail is rcrc@comcast.net. She is involved in cerumen workshops and may be able to let you know about the next one that may be coming up. Certainly, there is no substitute for hands-on learning but there is so much background and foundational information that is useful that can be gained from reading up and watching a webinar. Having that information in your head will assist in getting the most out of a hands-on workshop in the future. Hope this helps.