How do these ear thermometers work?

Question

I just bought an in ear thermometer. My son has a cold and i went to check his temp, following the directions and it said he was a temp of 102. 3. Hes 6 months so thats a lil high. I checked mine and it said 100.9 I dont feel that sick, i have a headache and im tired and a sore throat but nothing serious. So im wondering is there some way to do this that im not grasping? Or does he really have a temp that high?

I dont know where my rectal thermometer is so dont tell me to use that.

Answer 1

those thermometers can be horribly innacurate, especially (not to be insulting) if you have not been trained to use them. If you put them too deep they can read too hot, not deep enough and they will read cold. For babies you should really not use these at all because they're ears are too small and you cannot position the thermometer correctly. if this is the only thermometer you have access to, make sure you are placing it inside of the ear without pushing it so hard there is resistance. If you are sure you are not sick, practice on yourself until you get what looks like a more accurate reading, although it could be that you are both sick. If all else fails, feel his forehead with your cheek (much more sensitive than your hand) if he feels very hot, call your doctor. good luck

Answer 2

Ear thermometers are not recommended for anyone under the age of 2. The best way to check your sons temperature and to have an accurate reading is checking rectally. Be sure to put Vaseline on the thermometer before inserting though, that way there is little to no pain for your son. My son is 3 and I still find that the ear thermometer doesn't work all that great.

Answer 3

Ear thermometers are not accurate. In fact, they don't recommend them at all. The most accurate temp to take on your baby would be rectally. However, the next best thing is axcillary (Under the arm) . Good luck!! I hope your son feels better soon. If not, just give your doc a call.

Answer 4

ear thermometer can be very accurate at the hand of specialist and professional...and at it's most effective on adult.. reason being the ear path for kids is not fully developed yet and the tube is not so straight thus the infra sent from the thermo not able to reach the exact spot... so for infants or baby, we need to deduct about 1 celcius (i'm not using F as I don;t know what is the conversion like)

BTW, please make sure the thermo is fulyl ready before you stuck it into the ear hole... and make sure you hear the beep sound accordingly.. another thing is the quality of the ear thermo.. buy a decent brand...

Answer 5

Tympanic temps are not always accurate. I took my daughter's the other night and she was 102.1 in her left ear and 101.2 in her right........I took her rectal temp, and it was 102.3..........
The ear canal of a baby is narrow and you have to really know what you are doing to get a clear shot into her ear. They are best used by people who have been trained on them. and even then, they are not 100% accurate.

Can I suggest that you go buy a rectal thermometer in the near future?

Answer 6

These are usually pretty simple to work. Maybe you should take him in to a walk-in-clinic to be sure, you both may be sick. Try giving him a cool bath and take it agin in a while.

Answer 7

THE EAR TEMP IS THE BEST BECAUSE IT IS CONNECTED TO THE BRAIN THATS WHY THE HOSPITAL DOES IT FROM THE EAR

Answer 8

both of you are sick. i say you should go see a doctor possibly tonight but if you cant get there tongiht go right in the morning.