Ear thermometer: how to use one, and how accurate it is
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Braun ThermoScan 7. Best for: Families who want an ear thermometer with age settings. See options on Amazon
- Braun ThermoScan lens filters. Best for: Restocking filters. See options on Amazon
- Ear and forehead combo thermometer. Best for: People who want both modes. See options on Amazon
How ear thermometers work
Electronic ear thermometers are common and easy to use, MedlinePlus says. They measure infrared heat in the ear canal. Braun, which makes ThermoScan models, says its ThermoScan 7 uses a pre-warmed tip designed to minimize the cooling effect of the tip inside the ear canal, and a positioning system that confirms correct placement with a light and a beep.
Some thermometers combine ear and forehead modes. For forehead use, see our forehead thermometer guide.
Braun also lists AgeSmart, which gives age-adjustable fever guidance, and a large color-coded display meant to flag a fever at a glance. Treat these as aids for reading the number, not a diagnosis; your provider still needs the actual temperature and how you took it.
How to take an ear temperature
Braun's steps for the ThermoScan 7:
- Remove the thermometer from its case and push the Power button.
- Attach a new lens filter by pushing the probe straight into a filter in the box and pulling out.
- Select the age group with the age button.
- Fit the probe snugly into the ear canal.
- Push and release the Start button; the result shows on the display.
- Press Eject to discard the used filter, and put on a new, clean one.
Steps differ by model, so follow the manual for yours.
Common errors and fixes
| Message or problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No filter | No lens filter attached | Attach a new, clean lens filter |
| POS (position error) | Probe not positioned securely in the ear | Reposition the probe so it is correct and stable |
| Hard to see at night | Dark room while a child sleeps | Braun's ThermoScan 7 has a night light |
These rows are from Braun's ThermoScan 7 product page and troubleshooting guide. MedlinePlus advises telling your provider which type of measurement you used, since different methods give different readings.
How accurate are ear thermometers?
MedlinePlus says ear thermometers are easy to use, but some users report results less accurate than probe thermometers, and that electronic forehead thermometers are more accurate than ear thermometers. In its general guidelines against an average oral temperature of 98.6°F (37°C), an ear reading is 0.5 to 1°F (0.3 to 0.6°C) higher, as is a rectal reading; armpit and forehead readings run 0.5 to 1°F lower.
MedlinePlus also says rectal temperatures are generally considered more accurate for checking fever in young children. For a probe thermometer, see our digital thermometer guide.
Getting a better reading
- Use a fresh filter each time, as Braun directs.
- Fit snugly and hold steady until the beep confirms the reading.
- Wait after activity. MedlinePlus says wait at least 1 hour after heavy exercise or a hot bath, and 20 to 30 minutes after smoking, eating, or drinking something hot or cold.
- Use memory. Braun says the ThermoScan 7 recalls the last 9 readings, which helps you track a fever.
- Stock filters. Keep spare lens filters with the thermometer.
Between uses, MedlinePlus says to clean any thermometer with cool soapy water or rubbing alcohol, following your model's instructions, and it notes that plastic strip thermometers are the least accurate option.
When to call a doctor
MedlinePlus says a temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) most often means a fever. For babies 3 months or younger, MedlinePlus advises contacting the provider right away for a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher, so use the method your pediatrician recommends for young infants. See the full call thresholds in our digital thermometer guide, and keep a thermometer in your first aid kit.
MedlinePlus says to call 911 for a fever with difficulty breathing, blue lips, confusion, a stiff neck, a very bad headache, a seizure, or a person who cannot be awakened easily.
What to look for when you buy
Braun ThermoScan 7
Best for: Families who want an ear thermometer with age settings
Braun lists a pre-warmed tip, age-adjustable fever guidance, a positioning light and beep, and memory for 9 readings.
Watch out: Needs a new lens filter for each reading; keep spares.
See options on AmazonBraun ThermoScan lens filters
Best for: Restocking filters
Braun's instructions call for a new, clean lens filter each time.
Watch out: Buy the filter type that fits your model.
See options on AmazonEar and forehead combo thermometer
Best for: People who want both modes
MedlinePlus rates forehead thermometers as more accurate than ear ones, so a combo gives you the choice.
Watch out: Use the same mode each time when tracking a fever.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are ear thermometers accurate?
- MedlinePlus says some users report them less accurate than probe thermometers, and forehead thermometers are more accurate.
- Is ear temperature higher than oral?
- Yes, by 0.5 to 1°F (0.3 to 0.6°C), per MedlinePlus.
- What does POS mean on a Braun ear thermometer?
- A position error: the probe was not positioned securely in the ear. Reposition and retry.
- Do I need a new lens filter every time?
- Braun's instructions say to attach a new, clean lens filter for each reading.
- Can I use an ear thermometer on a newborn?
- MedlinePlus considers rectal readings more accurate for young children; ask your pediatrician which method to use.
Sources
- ThermoScan 7 IRT6520 (ap.braunhealthcare.com), Braun Healthcare
- Temperature measurement (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Fever (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine