What should a hearing care professional do if the otoscope bulb has burned out?

When the otoscope bulb has burned out, the hearing care professional must ensure that a proper visual inspection of the ear canals is conducted before any further procedures, like making an ear impression. The failure of the otoscope signifies that the professional cannot adequately assess the ear condition’s status, which is crucial in preventing damage and ensuring the appropriate fitting of hearing aids.

Choosing not to inspect the ear canals, whether through an alternative tool or proceeding with the fitting based only on audiometric data, could lead to overlooking critical conditions such as earwax impaction or infections that may affect the hearing health of the patient. Therefore, the conclusion that none of the provided options correctly addresses the situation underscores the importance of maintaining thorough examination practices in hearing care. The correct course of action would be to replace the burned-out bulb or utilize a properly functioning otoscope for evaluation, confirming that visual inspection is integral to the care process.