Finding the Best Ear Thermometers
The need to measure body temperature forms an integral part of vital signs checks. Body temperature can be taken from the armpit, mouth, ear, and rectum. Hence, we also have an oral thermometer and rectal thermometer. Whenever the temperature is required to be taken from the ear, the ear thermometer is used. Body temperature is taken from the eardrum because it is close to the body thermoregulator, referred to as the hypothalamus.
Factors to consider before buying Ear Thermometer
Accuracy: It is recommended that you buy an ear thermometer with the precision required to get a convincing result. Fortunately, most ear thermometers are digital with a high degree of accuracy.
Measuring Unit: It is essential to study the measuring unit of the ear thermometer that you intend to buy. This depends mainly on the type of unit that you are familiar with. Generally speaking, thermometer readings can be in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Processing Speed: You would need to consider the speed at which results can be obtained using the ear thermometer. Speed is essential because, during emergencies, you may require results within the shortest possible time.
Light Display: You should keep in mind that the ear thermometer that you choose should come in handy at night, especially in cases when vision is not too clear.
Handling: In choosing an ear thermometer, you need to consider the ease at which the device can be used. You may consider an ear thermometer with attributes that create unique signals that would make handling easier and comfortable for you.
Ease of Use: User-friendliness is a precursor to a smooth user experience. The ear thermometer that you choose should be user-friendly. For instance, it could have a guide that suggests the endpoint for insertion.
Features: Tools like storage for recently taken measures will help track recovery or medical history checks. Similarly, a tool like automatic shutdown will improve the battery capacity.
Benefits of Ear Thermometer
Time-Saving: It takes recording at a relatively faster time compared to other thermometers like the rectal thermometer and oral thermometer. Therefore, it saves time.
Reliability: It gives an accurate body temperature reading when inserted the right way. As such, it is considered to be a reliable tool for measuring temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is an ear thermometer an accurate means of reading temperature?
If used properly, the ear thermometer will provide an accurate result. This is why it is always recommended that users apply the ear thermometer correctly to achieve accuracy.
Can I use my ear thermometer to check the temperature on other parts of my body?
The ear thermometer is required for just the temperature in the ear.
What is the average ear temperature for adults?
An average ear temperature for adults is 99.5°F or 37°C.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a thermometer in the ear accurate?
Yes, a thermometer in the ear can provide accurate temperature readings if used properly. However, rectal temperatures are considered the most accurate, followed by forehead temperatures. Oral and ear temperatures can also be accurate when done correctly, while armpit temperatures are the least accurate.
2. Do you add a degree for ear temp?
Yes, an ear temperature is typically 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature. On the other hand, an armpit temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.
3. Why does my ear thermometer keep giving different readings?
There can be slight variations in temperature readings between the left and right ear due to factors like the presence of dirt or earwax, or individual variations. It's also important to note that the position of the probe tip during measurement can affect the results.
4. What are the cons of ear thermometer?
Some cons of ear thermometers include not being recommended for newborns and the potential for accuracy issues when there is earwax or a small, curved ear canal. These factors can interfere with the accuracy of temperature readings taken with an infrared ear thermometer.
5. What is a normal temperature when taken in the ear?
A normal temperature when taken in the ear is around 99.6°F (37.5°C). However, it's important to note that normal body temperature can vary slightly between individuals and measurement methods.
6. Is 100 a fever on an ear thermometer?
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher on a rectal, ear, or temporal artery thermometer generally indicates a fever. For an oral thermometer, a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher is considered a fever, and for an armpit thermometer, a temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher indicates a fever.
7. Can an ear thermometer give a false high reading?
Yes, an ear thermometer can give a false high reading if the probe cover is missing or broken. The infrared sensor in the thermometer is sensitive to conductive heat forces and can be affected by the heat from the walls of the ear canal.
8. Will an ear infection make an ear thermometer read higher?
In some cases, an ear infection can cause the temperature reading on an ear thermometer to be slightly higher. Research has shown that for children with unilateral suppurative otitis media (ear infection), the mean temperature in the infected ear was 0.38 degrees Fahrenheit higher than in the uninfected ear.
9. What is the most accurate way to take a temperature?
The most accurate way to take a temperature is through a contact thermometer. Rectal temperatures are considered the most precise, followed by oral temperatures. Armpit temperatures should only be used as a last resort, as they are not as accurate.
Editor's Notes
During our ear thermometer research, we found 24 ear thermometer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 462,695 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ear thermometers list. We found that most customers choose ear thermometers with an average price of $28.10.
The ear thermometers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ear thermometers, including Braun, GoodBaby, Viproud, yuwell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Elisa Drew is a really professional copywriter specializing in baby products with five years of experience working as a pediatrician once. She has published a series of baby books purchased by over thirty thousand people in the United States.
