Question

Discuss general measures that are incorporated into the hygienic care of the eyes and ears and the maintenance of sensory aids. (e.g. glasses, contact lenses, artificial eyes, and hearing aids)

Answer 1

CARING OF EYES AND EARS

• The eyes, ears and nose require special attension for cleansing during the patient's bath
• The specialist has the responsibility of assisting patients in the care of eyeglasses, contact lens, artificial eyes or hearing aids
• Assessment should be made of the patients knowledge and methods used to care for the aids, as well as any problems he might be having with the aids.
• The eyes, ears nad nose are sensitive and therefore extra care should be taken to avoid injury to these tissues.
• Never use bobby pins, toothpicks or cotton tipped applicators to clean the external auditory canal.
• Such objects may damage the tympanic membrane (eardrum) or cause wax(cerumen) to impact within the canal

1. CARE OF THE EYES

• Cleansing of the circumorbital( circular area around the eye) area of the eye is usually performed during the bath, and involves washing with a clean washcloth moistened with clear water.
• Do not use soap because of possibility of burning and irritation.
• The eye is cleansed from the inner to outer canthus
• The eyelashes, tearing and split-second blink reflect usually keeps the eye well protected.. the physician may order lubricating eye drops in case of unconscious patients.
• Many patients wear eyeglasses.The specialist will use care when cleaning glasses, and protect them from breaking
• Eyeglassese should be stored in the case and placed in the drawer of the bedside stand.
• Glasses are made of hardened glass or plastic that is impact resistant to prevent shattering, but they can easily be scratched
• Plastoc glasses require special cleaning solutions and drying tissues.
• Warm water and a soft dry cloth may be used for cleansing glass lens
• Most patient prefer to care for their own contact lens. A contact lens is a small, round, somrtimes colored disk that fits over the cornea
• The lens should not be reinserted until the patient is capable of caring for the lens himself. IIt is very important that you care for the patients who are unable to properly take care of the lens.
• Prolonged wearing of contact lens may cause serious damage to the cornea

CARE OF THE EARS

• The ears are cleaned during the bed bath. A clean corner of a moistened wash cloth rotated gently into the ear is used for cleaning.
• Also, a cotton-tipped applicator is useful for cleansing the pinna.
• The care of the hearing aid invilves routine cleaning , battery care and proper insertion techniques.
• The specialist must assess the atients knowledge and routines for cleaning and caring for his hearing aid
• The specialist will also determine whether the patient can hear clearly with the use of athe aid by talking slowly and clearly in a normal tone of voice
• When not in use, the hearing aid should be stored where it will not become damaged.
• The hearing aid should be turned off when not in use.
• The outside of the hearing aid should be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.