Can We Use Ear Thermometer on Forehead?

Thermometers are must-have devices in every household. Fever strikes in children anytime, and it can sometimes be in the late-night hours at large. As a parent, you equip yourself with temperature measuring devices to monitor the temperature of their children. Ear thermometers are must-have household devices. They help us to monitor changes in body temperatures. 

Various thermometers perform perfectly when employed to measure a particular part of the body. Forehead thermometers work best when taking temperatures with the machine pointing the forehead. This can also be a similar thing to the ear thermometers; they are designed to take the ear's temperature. But then, can we use ear thermometers on forehead?

Can we use ear thermometers on forehead?

Digital display ear thermometers are among the modern non-invasive methods of monitoring the body temperatures of our kids. They work efficiently without causing any discomfort at large. Besides, they are designed with a correct method to provide users accurate temperature readings. So, can we use ear thermometers on forehead?

The ear thermometers are calibrated to measure ear temperatures. The tip of the thermometer is pointed in the eardrum to take temperature readings. Like the foreheads, they do well when taking temperatures pointed in the forehead. The ear thermometers will also provide accurate temperatures if used in the ears. However, both the forehead and ear thermometer provide precise temperature results. 

Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Ear Thermometers

Before you use an ear thermometer to take temperature readings, there are several things you should know. These will enable you to use it correctly to get accurate results. Below are the things you should know about before you take the temperature in the ear.

The Temperatures you Expect in the Ear.

Different temperature readings are expected when measuring other parts of the body. However, there is no normal temperature reading that experts have benchmarked for a particular region at large. Before you start using an ear thermometer, you should know the average temperature you expect from the ear. This will provide you a hint of whether your thermometer is providing accurate results or not. 

What Temperatures are Considered a Fever with an Ear Thermometer?

38 degrees and something over this range is evidence of fever. Different thermometers in the market provide accurate results to a particular age limit at large. For instance, the anal is known to be accurate to children below two years. This is the same case with the ear thermometers. Experts recommend that users take three readings with an ear thermometer to achieve maximum accuracy for accurate results.

Is it Necessary to Add a Degree to the Thermometer?

Most people believe that adding a degree to the thermometer is the best way of achieving accurate results. However, this is not the case. You can still achieve better results without necessarily adding a degree. Some charts help determine whether the temperature is exceptionally high for the ear thermometer. However, if you detect severe fevers, you will consult a doctor whether it is necessary to add a degree.

What you Should do to Get Accurate Results

You will probably get incorrect readings in case there is wax in the ear. Before you start using an ear thermometer, you should check with an expert physician to provide you a way forward. In case of too much wax, then a health care professional will help you to remove it. Individual wax removal can be painful and also impair hearing.

Ear thermometers are also not advisable to use in case of other conditions, including an ear infection, a sore ear, or you are just from ear surgery. This might lead you to severe problems at large. 

Can we Use these Thermometers in the Mouth?

It is good you do everything as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Never insert an ear thermometer in the mouth at all. These thermometers are also inserted into the ears that dont have any health complications.  Otherwise, use every thermometer as prescribed by the manufacturer. 

Ear thermometers come already calibrated to measure the ear temperatures. Therefore, oral usage of ear thermometers will give inaccurate temperature readings.

What is the Essence of Using the Ear Thermometer Covers?

The ear thermometer tips host a lot of germs at large. The covers help to prevent transmission of germs that may be on the tip. The smallest amount of earwax on the thermometer tip can lead to the growth of fungus and bacteria in your ears at large. So, if you need to avoid such problems, there is a need to sanitize the tips always before you use them. Besides, you can use a new cover before you start taking on any measurement.

How to Determine Whether Your Ear Thermometer is Accurate

We all need accurate temperature readings from our ear thermometers. So, how can you use these thermometers to get precise measurements from them?

For you to get accurate temperature readings, ensure you insert the probe of the thermometer deep enough. This will create a seal that will allow it to bounce infrared radiations to the eardrum. This is what will later help to detect the body temperature at large. 

The thermometer probe should not necessarily touch the eardrum to get accurate readings. However, ensure the ear canal is maintained straight for fast measurements. 

Are Ear Thermometers Good for Adults?

Various thermometers are designed to suit various age categories at large. The ear thermometers work best for both adults and children alike. They work best for infants over six months old, older children, and also adults. They provide quick and accurate measurements if properly positioned.

Conclusion

Can we use ear thermometers on forehead? Ear thermometers are essential devices to monitor body temperatures. They work effectively for both adults and children alike. However, users should use them correctly to get the best out of them. Among the measures that should be adhered to is ensuring the ears are clean before taking measurements. Besides this, ensure you employ the ear thermometer covers to prevent fungus and bacteria's growth and development. Ear thermometers work efficiently and offer accurate readings.