Body temperature can be obtained through a variety of instruments. An ear thermometer is a device that measures the body's temperature through insertion into the ear. Also known as an aural thermometer or tympanic thermometer, it measures body heat through infrared light.

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An ear thermometer is considered a very convenient device to use. It does not include the waiting or additional precursors for use that many other thermometers have. Instead, it involves simply placing the device within the ear canal, pushing its button, and receiving a nearly instantaneous reading within the instrument's electronic display window. Typically, results are available after one second.

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When treating the common cold or flu, a digital ear thermometer can help provide a quick body temperature reading. This can help people to decide whether or not a physician is needed. It can also be helpful in routinely monitoring the temperature of children who fight having a thermometer beneath their arms for a lengthy amount of time, or who simply cannot sit still.

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Ear thermometers can also come with a blinking light to indicate a reading is complete. Parents whose children cry during a temperature reading may find this helpful if they normally cannot hear the beep of a digital thermometer. Many brands also come with sanitation covers, making it convenient to quickly take multiple temperatures on different people.

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