Ear thermometry from the otologic viewpoint

Abstract

Tympanic thermometry (TT) detects infrared emissions reaching a probe placed in the ear canal directed toward the tympanic membrane. This has been reported to be an ideal site for clinical temperature measurements. TT provides results rapidly, taking only one second. It is clean, safe, and there is no mucous membrane contact. Studies have primarily focused on the use of TT in pediatric office and emergency room settings. In the literature published to date, the otological viewpoint has not played an important role. Specially there is no systematic investigation of the influence of cerumen on TT. Twenty patients were examined. All of them had a complete obstruction of the auditory canal by cerumen. TT was performed before and after the removal of cerumen. It was found to have a significant impact on the ear temperature reading. After the removal, the temperature was higher by 0.5 degree C. In conclusion, one should consider that there can be a systematic error when using TT to determine body temperature. Nevertheless there are some important advantages compared to other methods of temperature measurements. Especially in the hands of physicians and nurses TT is accurate and can be recommended. However, at home in the hand of non-professionals there are some limitations and restrictions, particular when used in children. Further studies will have to be performed with a focus on otological problems and to determine the accuracy of TT in the non-professional user.