What Is An Ear Thermometer?
It’s a small tool that checks how hot you are. It uses a light beam to read the heat in your ear. You don’t need to put it far in your ear, and it works very fast.
Does It Work Well?
Yes, if you use it right. But you must put it in the right spot. Other kinds of thermometers that touch your skin might work a bit better. Doctors like ear thermometers because they’re quick to use.
What Can Make It Show The Wrong Temperature?
- A bad fit in the ear
- Too much wax in your ear
- Wet ears
- If you just lay on that ear
- A very small ear canal
For small babies up to three years old, doctors say it’s best to take their heat from their bottom.
How To Use It
- Pull your ear up and back a bit
- Put the tip in your ear (but not far in)
- Press the start button
- Wait for the beep
- Read the number
Tips: Keep the tip clean. Read how to use it when you buy it.
Good To Know
Your heat goes up and down each day. It’s lower when you wake up and higher at night.
Who Should Not Use It?
- Babies less than 6 months old
- People with sore ears
- Those using ear drops
- People with lots of ear wax
- Anyone with an ear infection
- Those who just had ear care done by a doctor
Other Ways To Check Temperture
You can also use:
- Mouth thermometers
- Armpit ones
- Tools that read your head
- Strips for your head (but these don’t work as well)
Don’t use old glass ones with mercury inside. They’re not safe.
When To Call The Doctor
Ring your GP if:
- Your baby is less than 3 months and reads 38°C or more
- Your baby is 3-6 months and reads 39°C or more
- The high heat stays for 5 days
- Medicine like paracetamol doesn’t help
- You see spots on the skin
When To Get Help Quickly
Ring 999 or go to A&E if you:
- Shake a lot
- Can’t stand bright light
- Feel too sleepy
- Find it hard to breathe
- Feel mixed up
- Have a stiff neck
- See spots that don’t go white when pressed
- Keep being sick
- Feel pain when you wee
Summary
Ear thermometers are good tools for most folks at home. They work well for kids as they’re fast and don’t hurt. While not perfect, they help you check for a fever. Just use them the right way and keep them clean. If you’re not sure about being ill, ask your GP.
Our Recommended Product
Looking for a reliable ear thermometer? We recommend the Kinetik Wellbeing Inner Ear Thermometer (ET100D). It’s a fast and easy-to-use device that gives you readings in just one second.
What we like about it:
- Shows results quickly (1-second reading)
- Works for all ages, even newborns
- Warns you when it spots a fever
- Saves your last 10 readings
- Shows temps in both Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Comes with 20 clean probe covers
- Includes a travel case
- Backed by St John Ambulance
The clear screen makes it easy to read the numbers. It uses infrared to check your temperature through your ear, which feels nicer than under your arm. The probe covers keep things clean between uses, and the travel case means you can pop it in your bag when you’re out.
At home or on the go, this thermometer is a good choice for families who want quick, reliable readings without any fuss.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health UK
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
