Courses · Complex Care
Administering Ear Medication
Instil ear drops correctly, understand why a perforated eardrum changes everything, and recognise the ear problems that need medical review.
About this certificate
This is a non-accredited module and the Certificate of Completion is not a Statement of Attainment. It supports but does not replace your employer's medication policy and competency sign-off. Ear syringing, ear irrigation and the removal of foreign bodies are clinical procedures and are never within a support worker's scope.
About this module
Ear drops are simple to give and easy to get wrong — cold drops that cause vertigo, the wrong pinna position so the drops never reach the canal, or drops given into an ear with a perforated drum or grommets, which can cause permanent damage. This module covers ear anatomy, the pull-up-and-back technique, warming, positioning and timing, wax softening, otitis externa and otitis media, grommets and perforation, hearing aids, and the ear and hearing problems commonly missed in people with disability.
Who it is for
Support workers and SIL staff assisting participants with prescribed ear drops, ear ointment or wax-softening preparations.
What you will be able to do
- Check ear medication against the chart, including which ear
- Position the pinna correctly for an adult and instil drops accurately
- Explain why drops must be at room temperature
- Recognise when ear drops must not be given, including suspected perforation
- Identify ear and hearing problems requiring review
Aligned to
- NDIS Practice Standards — Management of Medication
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care — Medication Safety Standard
- Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare
Lesson plan
What the module covers
| # | Lesson | What it covers | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | The ear, and the checks before you start | Why the eardrum matters so much, and what to confirm first. | 12m |
| 02 | Instilling ear drops | Position, pull, instil, wait — and the part everyone skips. | 12m |
| 03 | Ear conditions, hearing and what to report | What the drops are treating, and what needs a doctor. | 11m |
| ✓ | Final assessment | 12 scenario-based questions · pass mark 85% · unlimited attempts | ~15m |
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