Braun IRT 3020 Thermoscan Compact Ear Thermometer

Q: Are temperature readings in the ear suitable for everyone?

A: The Braun ThermoScan probe was designed to avoid damaging the eardrum, regardless of the patient’s age. Ear thermometers should not be used if the person has an outer ear infection (otitis externa), as this could cause them pain. In addition, you should never take a temperature in an ear that contains blood or any drainage. Use the opposite ear if medication has been placed in the infected ear canal. Keep in mind the following tips:

• Always take the temperature in the same ear, as the reading in the right ear may naturally differ from that in the left ear
• Other things can have an effect on ear temperatures, especially when someone 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, wait 30 minutes before taking a temperature. If prescription eardrops or other ear medications have been placed in the ear canal, use the other ear for a temperature reading. For accurate readings the ear must be free from obstructions or excess earwax.

Q: How do Braun ThermoScan ear thermometers work?

A: Braun ThermoScan thermometers measure the infrared heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. When the Braun ThermoScan is placed in the ear, it continuously monitors the infrared heat emitted by the eardrum. Once the thermometer obtains an accurate reading, the measurement is complete and the result is displayed.

Q: What is infrared heat?

A: Infrared heat is the natural warmth given out by our bodies. It’s used in medicine to soothe and relax your muscles. Ear thermometers measure the infrared heat emitted by the human ear. It’s like taking a picture in the ear - the brighter the red in the picture, the higher the temperature in your ear. What’s more, ear thermometers do not give out any infrared heat. It is the infrared heat emitted by the eardrum that is measured by the ear thermometer.

Q: Is the Braun ThermoScan thermometer suitable for all ages?

A: The probe was designed to avoid damaging the eardrum, regardless of the person’s age. Even though the probe does not fit into the ear canal of a new-born baby, clinical studies have confirmed that accurate temperature readings can be obtained in this age group if the ThermoScan is used very carefully.

Q: Are there any situations where the Braun ThermoScan should not be used?

A: You should not use the Braun ThermoScan if the person has an outer ear infection (otitis externa), as this could cause them pain. . Never take a temperature in an ear that contains blood or any drainage. Use the opposite ear if medication has been placed in the infected ear canal.

** Ipsos, online study among n=802 GPs and Pediatricians in four European markets (n=200 each in GE, UK, FR, NL), fielded May-June 2012.