Tympanic measurement

Equipment
Electronic tympanic thermometer (check for patency)
Speculum covers (disposable – one for each client)
Appropriate chart for recording

Identify factors that may affect the reading, for example the presence of cerumen (ear wax), recent facial/aural surgery (potential for injury and should therefore be avoided), hearing aid, or ear infection (the area willbe very sensitive and therefore should be avoided; the risk of cross-infection would also be significant were this site to be used).

Procedure	Rationale
Assist client into comfortable position, with head turned towards one side, making sure client has not recently been laid on that side	Client comfort; ear canal easily viewed. If client has been laid on that side, reading may be higher
Remove tympanic thermometer from charging base. Place disposable speculum cover over the probe until it locks in place	For safety; prevents cross-infection between clients
Gently pull ear pinna backwards, upwards and outwards. Insert speculum into ear canal snugly to make a seal, pointing towards the nose	Straightens the external auditory canal; allows maximum exposure of the tympanic membrane
Depress the scan button on the handheld unit. Leave thermometer in place until a signal (usually a bleep) is heard and the temperature reading can be seen on the digital display	Causes infra-red energy to be detected from the tympanic membrane
Remove speculum carefully from ear. Discard speculum cover into appropriate disposal bag/receptacle by pressing ejection button	Client comfort; safety; prevents crossinfection
Return handheld unit to charging base	Automatically causes digital reading to disappear and prevents damage to sensor. Some units also have a built-in security device in that the unit will cease to function after a given amount of time if not replaced on the base station
Record result noting any significant change and report accordingly	To ensure continuity of care and prompt attention if necessary

NB Some manufacturers recommend moving the speculum in a rocking or figure-of-eight motion to detect maximum tympanic membrane heat radiation. However, this must be undertaken with great care and is not a recommended course of action for the novice. If in doubt seek guidance.