What action should a hearing aid specialist take immediately after removing a cured impression?

The appropriate action after removing a cured impression is to use an earlight to inspect the ear canal. This step is crucial because utilizing the earlight allows the hearing aid specialist to visually assess the condition of the ear canal immediately following the impression's removal. It provides illumination that can help identify any issues, such as presence of cerumen, irritation, or other abnormalities in the ear canal that may not be visible with the naked eye.

By taking this action right after the impression is removed, the specialist can ensure that the ear canal is clear and healthy for the next steps in the hearing aid fitting process. Inspecting the impression thoroughly or inspecting the ear canal with an otoscope is important, but those actions serve different purposes and should follow the initial inspection with the earlight. The option of cutting off the otoblock, while necessary in some contexts, is not the immediate action recommended after the impression removal; ensuring the health and cleanliness of the ear canal takes precedence.