At a minimum, when must gloves be worn in a hearing aid practice?

In a hearing aid practice, gloves should be worn at a minimum during specific procedures that involve direct contact with a patient’s ear or hearing instruments. Accepting a hearing instrument from a patient or client is an area where gloves are essential because they help maintain hygiene and prevent the transmission of bacteria or contaminants.

Similarly, when removing an ear impression, gloves are necessary due to the close contact with bodily fluids and the sensitive nature of the process. These actions prioritize the safety and health of both the patient and the practitioner.

While routine otoscopy is an important procedure, wearing gloves during this practice is generally based on circumstances such as the practitioner's discretion regarding cleanliness and potential exposure to discharge. Therefore, gloves are required for the more clinically invasive activities of accepting devices and removing ear impressions, making the combined answer of both scenarios the minimum standard for glove usage in this context.