Omronhealthcare - ap.com (AU) How To Use an Infrared Ear Thermometer O ld timers among us know the thermometer as a glass tube with mercury indicator. But with advancement in medical technology many different types of digital thermometers have been created. They include forehead thermometer, anal thermometer, infrared ear thermometer and others. The ear thermometer is very useful in taking the readings of body temperature especially of babies or hyperactive young kids. It can also be used for the same purpose for elderly people or those who are unconscious. It requires just a few seconds to get the accurate reading of the body temperature. However, you need to know how to use the thermometer properly in order to get an accurate reading. How to use an ear thermomete r An infrared thermometer detects the temperature of the ear drum remotely and this is an indicator of the body temperature. Here you need to understand that for an accurate reading you need to make sure that the infrared sensor points towards the eardrum and there is no obstruction in between. Any blockage in the path of the infrared rays will cause the reading to differ fro m the actual body temperature. T his is because the any blockage will interfere with the amount of radiation received by the sensor. T his in turn will result in a lower reading compared to the actual temperature of the body. Let us look at the method to use the infrared ear thermometer : • Pull the ear back gently as this will straighten the ear canal. • Make sure that the probe when inserted into the ear canal points at the ear drum. It should not point to the wall of the ear canal. • The ear canal should not be blocked by wax, or any other kind of fluid or material. • The sensor should also be clean because with an unclean sensor the reading will not be accurate if the dirt blocks the sensor rays. This is the method to use an ear thermometer to take the body temperature reading accurately.