How Accurate Are Ear Thermometers?

by Dynamix Group Writer

Infrared ear thermometers have become immensely popular among paediatricians and parents as they are fast and easy to use. In order to measure the temperature, one simply has to turn on the thermometer. Once the thermometer is on, it should be gently placed in the child's ear. Every ear thermometer comes with a manual. Follow the directions for use as directed in the manual. While inserting the thermometer, ensuring proper distance in the ear canal is crucial. As long as the thermometer is held in the ear canal, make sure that it does not move at all until it signals to do so. Now, remove the thermometer and read the numbers appearing on the screen.

However, the question that persists is, are they accurate? According to a review, it has been found that these ear offline or online thermometers may not always be accurate. There may be very minute temperature variation, but it can affect the treatment when the patient is a child.

The most accurate form of thermometer is rectal readings. When compared with its readings, researchers found that the ear thermometer readings differed as much as 1 degree on either side. Hence, it was concluded that ear thermometers lack perfection. They are not the ideal instrument that should be used in situations when the measurement of the body temperature needs to be accurate.

How to ensure the best results while measuring temperature with an ear thermometer?

If an ear thermometer is being used to measure the temperature with an ear, one should pay attention to the following things:

 Taking the reading from the same ear is always important. There is a huge chance that the reading in the right ear will differ from the left ear.

 There are many external factors that may influence the ear temperature:

o When one is lying on just one ear

o If the ears remained covered for some time

o Exposure to very hot or cold temperatures can affect the reading as well

o Going out swimming or taking a bath.

 In such scenarios, one must wait for at least 30 minutes before taking the reading.

 In case the patient is using eardrops or some other ear medication that was placed in the ear canal, the other ear should be used.

 Excess earwax must be removed before taking the reading.

 In case of an ear infection, it should not be used as it may cause pain.

 If there is any discharge or blood is coming out, do not take the reading from that ear.

If you are planning to buy a thermometer, always buy from trusted dealers like Smart Medical Buyer that deal in other medical instruments as well like ambu bag.