Ear Wash System 29350 Operating Instruction Manual
Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Warnings and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unpacking and Verifying Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diagram of the Welch Allyn Ear Wash System . . . . Faucet Aerator Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chamber Aerator Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Welch Allyn Ear Wash System. The Welch Allyn Ear Wash System provides a safer and more effective way to remove cerumen. This method of irrigation is much cleaner and safer than other irrigation methods currently on the market.
Warnings and Symbols This manual uses the icons and symbols described below. ATTENTION: Refer to the operating instructions. This symbol is intended to advise the user of the presence of important operating or maintenance instructions in the documents accompanying the instrument.
Reimbursement Information Coverage - Use of the Ear Wash System in the physician office is usually covered by payers when medically necessary. Coding - 69210, removal of impacted cerumen (separate procedure), one or both ears. Payment - payment for use of the Ear Wash System varies by payer, plan, and provider contract and may be separately payable in the physician’s office setting. Getting Started Unpacking and Verifying Contents Inspect the packaging for any damage incurred during shipping.
For safe use, verify the plastic flow limiter is in ALL aerators. If your facility has multiple exam rooms with snap aerators, you MUST inspect each one to verify the plastic flow limiter is inside. Replace all aerators that have missing components. Call Welch Allyn Technical Support if assistance is needed. (Aerator Flow = 4.0 gpm) Plastic Flow Limiter Use the figure shown to familiarize yourself with the features of the Welch Allyn Ear Wash System.
Faucet Aerator Installation ATTENTION: This system is designed for use on faucets where line pressure does not exceed 100 PSI or flow rate of 5.7 gallons / minute. If you suspect the line pressure or flow rate is greater, have it tested prior to use of the Ear Wash System or contact Welch Allyn Technical Service Department. 1. Remove your current aerator from your faucet, including any original washers. You may need to use a pair of pliers to remove your aerator.
Chamber Aerator Installation The chamber aerator is an optional attachment that is necessary if you are experiencing a significant amount of water splash around your sink. 1. Find the notch located on the top of the chamber aerator and line it up with the blue irrigation port on the chamber. 2. Gently press the chamber aerator against the chamber until it is snug. NOTE: The chamber aerator is only capable of attaching to the chamber if it is aligned correctly.
Using the Ear Wash System Steps for Irrigation It is essential to follow the technique described in this section for using the Ear Wash System to minimize patient discomfort and avoid the risk of perforating the tympanic membrane. The factors determining the risk of perforating the tympanic membrane while irrigating the ear canal are the water pressure at the point of discharge and whether the discharged flow of water directly impinges on the tympanic membrane.
Attaching the Tubing and Chamber 1. Connect the tubing to the chamber. Match the black connector to the black return port on the side of the chamber. Match the blue connector to the blue irrigation port on the lower side of the chamber. 2. To attach the chamber to the faucet, pull down the white plastic ring on the top of the chamber, and then insert the chamber over the snap aerator on the faucet. When the chamber is positioned, release the white plastic ring. The chamber is now secure.
Irrigation 1. Initially, you may cover the patient with a cloth drape to eliminate splashing onto his or her clothes. Once the technique of sealing the ear canal is mastered, this is not necessary. 2. Begin to run water through the unit by turning the hot and cold water on full power. Adjust the water exiting the bottom of the chamber until it feels close to body temperature. NOTE: Reducing the hot or cold water will impact the pressure. 3.
5. It is important to aim the stream of water away from the longitudal axis of the ear canal and toward the ear canal walls by tilting and rotating the handle during the irrigation. Flood the ear with water. The suction return system will return the discharge away from the ear. 6. During the irrigation, provide inquiries about patient comfort to provide confidence. Periodically stop irrigation. View the ear canal (using an otoscope) to check on progress.
If the application of non-sterile tap water in a patient’s ear is a concern, administer a few drops of the following solutions to the ear canal after the procedure is completed as a preventative measure: • 70% Isopropyl Alcohol • Hydrogen Peroxide • Solution of 1 part Vinegar/1 part Isopropyl Alcohol NOTE: Discoloration or staining of the tubing can occur over time due to local water conditions and/or introduction of other ear cleaning solutions. Disassembly 1.
Maintenance Cleaning and Disinfecting the System Clean or Disinfect Ear Wash System daily. High Level Disinfect each time the unit is used on a patient with compromised skin. Cleaning the unit eliminates any debris and reduces the number of microorganisms in the tubing. Disinfecting the unit eliminates most bacteria and fungi growth. To Prepare the Unit • • • Remove the ear tip and discard.
• • Allow the chamber to drip dry. Place the unit in its holding container. To facilitate a recommended thorough flush and faster drying time, pour isopropyl rubbing alcohol inside the chamber and hoses. To Disinfect the Unit Follow Cleaning instructions, except replace the soapy water with a 2 cup solution of isopropyl rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach/90% water solution. Rinse handle thoroughly with water after cleaning solution is used.
Troubleshooting If your Welch Allyn Ear Wash System is experiencing problems, consult the following table to find the symptom and the likely cause and the solution. If the information in this table does not describe or solve the problem you are having, contact the Welch Allyn Technical Service Department at 1-800-535-6663 / 1-315-685-4653 or an authorized Welch Allyn Distributor to help you. See Service and Warranty Information Card for more information.
Problem Possible Cause Solution The water is not turned Turn the cold water on full in on high enough. order for the suction system to work properly (but still within the right temperature range). Ear tip attachment Replace the ear tip with the tab problem. side pointing upwards. Tubing connection Ensure that both tube fittings are Excessive water leak- problem. fit snugly into the chamber. ing from the ear. Incorrect technique.
Problem The water splash is making a mess or splashing onto adjacent electrical units. The water pressure from the ear tip seems too high or too low. Possible Cause Installation of ear tip has caused a problem. There is leakage from the chamber aerator and/or adapter The return water exit port is clogged on the bottom of the chamber. There is an internal malfunction. Check water pressure from the sink. Sensor not turning white even though water feels warm coming out of the bottom of the unit.
1. If suction is too low, replace the ear tip. If suction does not improve go to step 2. 2. Remove ear tip and place handle interface into water. If suction improves replace handle/hose assembly. If suction does not improve go to step 3. 3. Make sure hose from handle to black fitting is not kinked and is free of obstruction. Replace hose if it is kinked. Clean it out if it is obstructed. If the hose is not kinked or obstructed go to step 4. 4.
Types of Cerumen Cerumen is the natural by-product of the ear canal. It lubricates the skin lining in the ear canal, acts as a water repellent, and entraps dust, hair follicles, and foreign bodies. Cerumen can take many different forms which affect the process and time to remove. There are generally two different types of cerumen found in the ear canal: dry and wet. The following are subtypes of cerumen that you will commonly encounter and how they may affect the irrigation procedure.
Anatomy And Physiology • • Cerumen is produced in the outer third of the ear canal and naturally moves to the outer ear as new tissue grows from the area around the tympanic membrane. Normal cerumen routinely becomes a medical issue when it impedes the physicians ability to visualize the tympanic membrane. Less frequently, cerumen can accumulate and harden, in the canal causing occlusion of the ear canal.
Warranty and Service Information Warranty Welch Allyn, Inc. warrants the Ear Wash System to be free of original defects in material and workmanship and to perform in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
Technical Service Department For customers in North America, please return instruments requiring service to Welch Allyn or an authorized Welch Allyn Service Representative. Please call the Technical Service Department for a Return Authorization Number prior to shipping the Ear Wash System back to Welch Allyn for repair. United States: Canada: Welch Allyn, Inc.
Replacement Parts and Accessories Ordering Information To order replacement parts or accessories, contact your Welch Allyn Service Representative or call the Welch Allyn Customer Service Department in Skaneateles Falls, NY (USA) directly at: 1-800-535-6663 Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 8:00 PM EST Part Part Number Ear tips (Case of Ear Tips) Tubing (Hose Assembly) Aerator Adapter Kit (4.
Specifications General Specifications The specifications common to all of the major components of Welch Allyn Ear Wash System are listed the following table. Operating Temperature: 50° - +104° F(10° - +40° C) Storage Temperature: -40° - +120° F(-40° - +49° C) Flow Rate from Ear Tip: 100-134 mL (0.0264 gal) of water per 20 seconds at operating pressure. Source (faucet) Water Pressure Range: 40 - 100 Psi (275kPa - 690 kPa) Minimum Source Water Flow Rate: 7.
Welch Allyn, Inc. 4341 State Street Road PO Box 220 Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153-0220 Tel: (315) 685-4560 1 (800) 535-6663 Printed in the U.S.A. Part No. 293044-1 Rev.
