Frequently asked Questions about Ear Thermometers
- How does the Microlife ear thermometer work?
- Is it safe to fully insert the probe in the ear of children and babies?
- Can the Microlife infrared ear thermometer harm you in any way?
- How does the reading from a Microlife ear thermometer compare to an oral, rectal or axillary reading?
- Is the Microlife ear thermometer as accurate as hospital devices?
- Which ear should I use to measure body temperature?
- Why do I get different results from left to right ear?
- Is the Microlife ear thermometer suitable for premature infants as well as for the elderly?
- Can I use the Microlife ear thermometer for body temperature measurements at other points of the body?
- Does earwax influence the results?
- Can I measure temperature when my child has an ear infection?
How does the Microlife ear thermometer work?
The Microlife ear thermometer measures infrared energy radiated from the eardrum and the surrounding tissue. This energy is collected through the lens and converted to the correct temperature value.
Is it safe to fully insert the probe in the ear of children and babies?
Yes, the probe is too short to reach the eardrum. The ear canal of babies and small children is smaller than the probe of the thermometer so it can not reach the sensitive parts of the ear.
Pull the ear as explained in the instruction manual and gently insert the probe into the ear. When you feel resistance from the ear, don't push any further and maintain the position.
Can the Microlife infrared ear thermometer harm you in any way?
No, Microlife ear thermometers does not sending out any waves or heat at any time. It only acts as a receiver of heat.
If the ear is inflamed or an ear infection is present, it is recommended the measurement be taken in the other ear or a standard digital thermometer should be used orally, underarm or rectally as appropriate.
How does the reading from a Microlife ear thermometer compare to an oral, rectal or axillary reading?
Microlife's ear thermometer measurements are comparable to an oral temperature from a quality thermometer.
Rectal measurements are slightly higher then oral measurements.
An underarm measurement is most impacted by room temperature, so accuracy is more difficult to verify. Underarm measurements are lower then oral measurements.
Is the Microlife ear thermometer as accurate as hospital devices?
The accuracy of Microlife ear thermometers has been proven in clinics. Microlife ear thermometers are at least as accurate as the more expensive hospital devices.
The Microlife Ear Thermometer is manufactured to meet the same international standards as hospital devices.
The difference to a hospital unit is the design. Hospital devices are more robust and thus less sensitive against falling down. They are delivered with solid wall brackets, comprehensive probe cover supply devices, etc.
Some professional thermometers offer the feature to display the results alternatively compared to rectal or oral readings. We think that this very confusing and we prefer to display the real, reliable ear temperature. Up to our knowledge, there is no medical basis which allows to "transfer" the data to rectal or oral results.
Which ear should I use to measure body temperature?
Generally, there are no significant differences in ear temperatures. We recommended you practice measuring temperature when well, determine normal temperatures for you and your family, and use the ear that that gives you a higher reading.
Why do I get different results from left to right ear?
Temperature can vary slightly from left to right ear because of the amounts of dirt or earwax present or due to individual variations.
Please note the position of the probe tip during measurement can have an influence on the results. It is very important to straighten the ear canal and insert the probe tip comfortably and completely in the ear canal to ensure accuracy.
Is the Microlife ear thermometer suitable for premature infants as well as for the elderly?
Yes, the Microlife ear thermometer is designed to take the body temperature of adults and children of all ages; including premature infants. Caution: high fever in infants and young children should be immediately reported to your doctor!
Can I use the Microlife ear thermometer for body temperature measurements at other points of the body?
No, the Microlife ear thermometer is designed for ear measurements only.
You can measure the temperature of objects such as bath water or baby?s milk in the range of 0°C to 100 °C (32°F to 212°F). If you want to measure room temperature, the temperature of bath water or baby milk, etc., please place the probe cover on the tip of the device. Move as close to the surface of the object you want to measure and start the measurement. Please take care NOT TO DIP THE SENSOR into the milk or liquid as the device is NOT WATERPROOF. Please note that the device is just able to detect the surface temperature of an object giving you an estimation of the temperature.
Caution: please note that there might be hotter temperature areas at deeper levels of the liquid.
Does earwax influence the results?
Small amounts of ear wax are no problem as they transmit the temperature radiation but large amounts may cause inaccurate readings.
Can I measure temperature when my child has an ear infection?
Generally, ear infections cause considerable pain. Pulling on the outer ear would create further discomfort. It is recommended a measurement be performed in the unaffected ear or at an other body site with the appropriate device.