What kind of thermometer is used to take an ear temperature?
An ear thermometer is a hand-held device with a “window” showing the temperature. You can buy these thermometers at grocery, drug, or medical supply stores. When should I NOT use an ear thermometer? • Ear thermometers will give you an incorrect and low reading if there is “wax” in the ear of the person having their temperature checked. Before using an ear thermometer at home, have your caregiver check the ears of the person needing their temperature checked. People normally have some wax in their ears. If there is too much wax to check an ear temperature, caregivers may need to remove some of it. Do not try to remove wax from inside your own or someone else’s ears. This may damage hearing and cause pain. • Do not use an ear thermometer when a person has a sore ear, an ear infection, or if they just had ear surgery. How do I use an ear thermometer? There are many kinds of ear thermometers. Carefully read the instructions before using your thermometer. The following steps may help you us
