Equipment - Tympanic digital thermometer

Testing procedures

1. Place the tympanic digital device in the external auditory canal with the probe aimed at the tympanic membrane.
2. Wait 2-3 seconds until the digital reading occurs or the digital beep sounds. 
3. Document your findings.

Clinical notes

• A tympanic digital thermometer will quickly measure the temperature of the ear drum, which reflects the body’s core temperature.
• The core temperature can be 1.4°F (0.8°C) higher than oral measurements. Cerumen (ear wax) impaction can affect tympanic temperature values by as much as 0.3 °F lower than the unobstructed ear.