Directions for the Use of Vicks Ear Thermometer

Your body's temperature can be an important indicator of health, particularly if you are concerned about an infection. When you develop an infection, your body raises its temperature to attempt to rid itself of the invader. Consequently, measuring your temperature can help you determine if you are actually sick or merely not feeling well. Ear thermometers, such as the one made by Vicks, are popular because they are convenient and quickly measure a child's temperature, but you must use them properly to get the right results.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swab

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the opening of the ear canal using a cotton swab and warm water. A clean ear canal will aid in getting an accurate temperature reading because the thermometer will not be obscured by earwax or other debris.

• 2

  Pull up gently on the outer ear to broaden and straighten out the ear canal. The straighter the ear canal is, the more accurate the temperature reading will be. If measuring the temperature of a child younger than 1, straighten the ear canal by pulling back on the outer ear instead of up.

• 3

  Insert the sensor end of the thermometer into the child's ear while still pulling on the ear.

• 4

  Press the start button and release immediately.

• 5

  Remove the thermometer from the ear after you hear a beep. The beep indicates that it has taken the temperature. You will now be able to read the temperature on the digital display.