Final answer:
Clinical pharmacists authorized to work with ear health can perform procedures like cerumen impaction removal, ear infection assessment, middle ear pressure equalization, and tympanic membrane inspection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clinical pharmacists who are authorized to insert or remove instruments beyond the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal often perform procedures such as cerumen impaction removal. This task involves the clearing of earwax that has built up and become hard, potentially obstructing the ear canal. Cerumen impaction can lead to symptoms like hearing loss, pain, and sometimes infection.
However, clinical pharmacists may also be involved in ear infection assessment. An ear infection, or acute otitis media (AOM), often requires the evaluation of the middle ear to diagnose and provide proper treatment. Ear infections can lead to fluid buildup and increased pressure on the eardrum.
Another role may include middle ear pressure equalization, which is crucial when there is an imbalance of pressure across the tympanic membrane. The Eustachian tube helps in equilibrating the air pressure, and difficulty in this process can cause discomfort or even hearing issues.
In some instances, pharmacists may also conduct a tympanic membrane inspection to examine the condition of the eardrum and assess any potential damage, such as from infection or trauma. The tympanic membrane is vital for hearing as it vibrates in response to sound waves.