The ear or ear thermometer is a type of thermometer. How does it work ? Who is it suitable for? Zoom in on the ear thermometer.

An ear or ear thermometer (to be placed in the ear) is an instrument for measuring temperature. It is a medical device. This thermometer gives the temperature thanks to thermal radiation emitted by the ear canal and / or the tympanic membrane. The infrared thermometer works thanks to the thermal radiations emitted by the surface of the skin.

Composition

The ear thermometer consists of an infrared probe and an indicator assembly, and it is powered by an internal power source (battery). Ear or ear thermometers used by healthcare professionals are used with disposable tips placed on the probe.

An ear or ear thermometer measures body temperature from infrared radiation emitted by the eardrum and surrounding tissues which are very well supplied with blood flow. This method indicates body temperature within seconds.

Is it reliable?

Ear temperature accurately reflects body temperature.

Ear thermometers are as reliable as rectal thermometers, whereas values ​​obtained with an oral thermometer or an axillary thermometer should be increased by 0,5 ° C.

However, they must be used correctly for their result to be reliable. For the temperature to be correct, the infrared probe of the thermometer must have direct access to the eardrum.

Public concerned

In theory, the ear thermometer can be suitable for everyone. In practice, unless you choose a special model for babies with a mini-mouthpiece, it is not very recommended for babies and young children because they have a very narrow ear canal, and for some, very sinuous, and they are likely to move during the temperature measurement. However, it can be very useful for taking the temperature of older children, including when they are sleeping.

The stages of operation

First, disinfect the ear thermometer probe with a disinfectant solution. Then turn it on, gently insert it into the ear canal as far as possible, press the temperature measurement button and hold the thermometer until you hear a beep that indicates the end of the temperature measurement. Normal body temperature ranges between 35,8 ° C and 38 ° C. Clean and disinfect the thermometer after use.

When to use it?

The ear or tympanic thermometer is used by doctors if fever is suspected. It is also suitable for home use to assess a person’s temperature.

Precautions to take

For the measurement to be accurate, the ear must not be blocked or have excessive accumulation of earwax. You can clean the ear with a little warm water or olive oil.

As there is sometimes a temperature difference between the right ear and the left ear, it is recommended to always take the temperature on the same side if you monitor your temperature or that of a loved one regularly.

In adults

To facilitate the insertion of the ear thermometer, it is recommended to gently pull the ear up and then back.

In children

It is advisable to gently pull the pinna of the ear to straighten the ear canal which is narrow in a child and gently insert the probe of the ear thermometer.

Note: for more comfort you can heat the tip of the ear thermometer.

The different models

Ear thermometers also function as a forehead thermometer. You can use this type of thermometer by taking the temperature in the ear or passing it over the forehead.

Ear thermometer options

For ease of use at night, choose an ear thermometer with a backlit screen. Some ear thermometers have a fever alarm: a beep tells you that the temperature is too high. Others work with a color code according to different fever levels: green, orange, red.

The models offering a memory function allow you to follow the evolution of the temperature.

On the price side, it is better to count a budget of 40 € to have a quality ear thermometer.