8
Note: In the following situations, it is recommended that you
take three temperatures in the same ear. If they differ, use the
highest reading.
• Infants in the first 90 days of life.
• Children under three years of age who have a condition such
as a compromised immune system and for whom the pres-
ence or absence of fever is critical.
• When you are first learning to use the ear thermometer until
you are comfortable with the technique and are obtaining
consistent readings.
Important: As with any type of thermometer, slight temperature
variations ( ± 0.3 – 0.5 °F / ± 0.2 – 0.3 °C) can occur, if con-
secutive measurements are taken.
Temperature taking hints
• The right ear reading may differ from the reading taken at the left
ear. Therefore, always take the temperature in the same ear.
• The ear must be free from obstructions or excess earwax build-
up to take an accurate reading.
• External factors may influence ear temperatures, including when
an individual has:
– been lying on one ear or the other
– had their ears covered
– been exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures, or
– been recently swimming or bathing.
In these cases, remove the individual from the situation and wait
20 minutes prior to taking a temperature.