Not sure what instruments to invest in for mechanical removal of cerumen? While the number of available hand-held instruments is endless, don’t spend your money on instruments that you don’t need or won’t use. Here are my quick tips on the three tools you essentially need.
First, invest in a tool that is most efficient for removing cerumen that is of a softer consistency such as a Buck or Shapleigh curette, a Billeau loop, or a right angle hook, specifically the Lucae hook. The tool that you choose will be a matter of personal preference. My favorite has always been the angled Buck curette.
Second, invest in a hand-held instrument specifically designed for removing cerumen that is of a much drier consistency. Probably the most popular instrument includes Alligator forceps although you can also try the Bayonette forceps. Personally, I prefer the NeoZoline Alligator forceps since these instruments have been coated in a special material that makes them black, eliminating any reflection that may occur during cerumen removal procedures when the ear canal is illuminated.
Finally, invest in the Day hook. This instrument is a right-angled hook with an extremely thin tip; since the tip of this instrument maintains such a small surface area, it is the perfect instrument to use for creating the initial hole in a complete occlusion. Using an instrument with a more substantial tip can potentially move the cerumen plug further in down the ear canal, creating additional challenges and more work. Here’s to safe and effective cerumen removal!
