The Ultimate Comparison: Braun Ear Thermometer vs Forehead Thermometer

With the invention of glass thermometers, it has become extremely convenient to take a person’s body temperature. Nowadays, body temperature can be measured from the oral cavity, rectum, ear canal, temporal artery, etc. In this regard, the use of Braun ear thermometers as well as forehead devices has increased. But how do they differ, and which one is considered better than the other?

Different kinds of thermometers work differently to produce reliable temperature results

Different kinds of thermometers are needed for application in different environments

In this article, we will dive into the comparison between Braun ear thermometers and forehead thermometers in terms of their pros and cons, as well as suitability. In addition, some of the well-known forehead and Braun ear thermometer brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.

What are Braun Ear Thermometers?

Ear or tympanic thermometers are medical devices used to check a person’s body temperature from the ear canal. These systems work by employing infrared technology that senses the heat emitted from the eardrum. The readings can be recorded within seconds and are displayed on the LCD.

Among different ear thermometer brands, Braun ear thermometers are preferred by parents owing to their quick estimation of body temperature, high patient convenience, ease of usage, etc. In this regard, the following section summarizes some of the advantages of using Braun ear thermometers.

Benefits

Braun ear thermometers are one of the best devices in the US market when it comes to taking temperature among pediatric patients. Some of the benefits provided by the device are as follows:

Braun ear thermometers are easy-to-use systems that can be employed for patients of all age groups, including newborns to adults.
Their straightforward design and simple construction eliminate the chances of operational errors.
Braun ear thermometers can produce temperature results within 1 to 2 seconds.
The probe tip of the Braun ear thermometers is pre-warmed. This feature helps increase user convenience as the probe does not feel cold as soon as it comes in contact with the skin of the ear canal.
The ExacTemp Position Technology in Braun ear thermometers lets the user know if the device is placed correctly in the ear canal by giving off a long beep signal. In addition, a light beam indicates accurate positioning as well.
The Age Precision or Age Smart Technology of Braun ear thermometers allows the system to interpret the temperature readings based on the patient’s age. The users can select an age group between 0-3 months, 3-36 months, and 36 months and older.
Braun ear thermometers also have a color-coded guidance technology that displays green color if there is no fever, yellow if fever is present, and red if it is high-grade.
These temperature measuring systems have a memory function as well that stores up to 9 temperature readings for later access and analysis.
The temperature readings taken from the Braun ear thermometers are highly accurate (up to one tenth of a degree). It has been proven that these systems are comparable to rectal thermometers in terms of their clinical accuracy.
Some models of the Braun ear thermometers can be connected to a smartphone through the Braun Family Care app. This way, you can check the temperature results as well as maps, trends, and healthcare advises on your phone screen.

Drawbacks

Despite being highly accurate and reliable systems, Braun ear temperature comes with some limitations as well that include the following:

Braun ear thermometers are highly accurate systems. However, the presence of too much earwax or an inaccurate usage method can lead to inaccuracies in the readings.
Every time the Braun ear thermometer is to be used for temperature measurement, it is important to attach a disposable probe cover to the tip. This way, the tip does not get contaminated, and the risk of infection transfer is effectively avoided. However, using disposable probe covers elevates the overall usage cost of the device.
If not kept at the correct operational temperature range, i.e. 50-104°F or 10-40°C, Braun ear thermometers do not produce fully accurate temperature readings. In such cases, keeping the device within the specified range for at least 30 minutes can be helpful in restoring the accurate device function.
Some models of Braun ear thermometers have bright LCD screens that might irritate users during nighttime employment.

Large LCD display of infrared thermometers enables easy reading of the temperature values

Forehead thermometers use infrared sensors to estimate body temperature

What are Forehead Thermometers?

Forehead or temporal thermometers are non-contact devices that take body temperature from the superficial temporal artery. Like ear thermometers, these devices also use infrared sensors. However, as the device never comes in contact with the skin, there is no need to use probe covers. Resultantly, the overall cost of device usage is lowered.

Benefits

Forehead or temporal thermometers provide several applications primarily due to their no-contact design. Some of these are as follows:

Forehead thermometers are easy to operate, so there is no need to struggle while using the device, even for the first time.
The Guidance system of Braun forehead thermometers helps the user maintain a proper distance from the patient. This is achieved by an on-screen positioning system that indicates the accurate position of the device using a light beam.
The temperature readings taken with the forehead thermometers are displayed immediately on the screen, usually within 2 seconds.
The Age Smart Technology of Braun forehead thermometers enables the device to interpret the temperature results based on the patient’s age.
The night light feature of these devices is useful for taking a temperature reading even when it is dark.
These forehead thermometers can also be operated in a silent mode. This way, even body temperature of a child can be taken while she is sleeping.
Temporal thermometers have been considered as accurate as rectal thermometers in children. As for the convenience, temporal ones are easy to use and keep the child comfortable as well.

Drawbacks

The use of forehead thermometers has rose over the past few years after their extensive employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is essential to look into some of the drawbacks of these devices that have been summarized below:

If a forehead thermometer is not positioned properly (according to the manufacturer’s instructions), its accuracy gets compromised.
The external factors, such as wind, drafts, indoor heating, exposure to direct sunlight, etc., can also impact the reading accuracy.
If the person is wearing heavy clothes or hats, there is a risk of getting skewed results.

Braun Ear Thermometers vs. Forehead Thermometer: Which One is Better?

A study published in the journal Biology in 2021 compared different kinds of thermometers that work on different principles. Their findings indicate that tympanic or ear thermometers are the most accurate devices, especially for children below the age of 6 months.

This is because the readings of the forehead thermometers are often affected by several environmental factors. Even if a person has sweat on the forehead, the device cannot properly take the temperature value. However, they do come in handy for screening large population groups as they save time and are non-invasive as well.

Forehead thermometers are convenient to use in outdoor settings

Ear and Forehead Thermometers at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

The thermometers are medical devices employed for taking body temperature. Among their different types, rectal thermometers are considered ideal for children due to their high accuracy. However, ear and forehead thermometers are also extensively used owing to their quick and reliable temperature estimation.

When it comes to learning about Braun ear thermometers as well as forehead thermometers, it is also essential to look into some of the thermometers that many brands manufacture. In this regard, some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:

Welch Allyn Braun 06000-200 ThermoScan PRO 6000 Ear Thermometer

US$255.00

Product Details

Welch Allyn Braun 06000-200 ThermoScan PRO 6000 ear thermometers are the products known for their quick and accurate body temperature measurement, as they produce a result within 1 second. This accuracy can be owed to the PerfecTemp technology that enables the device to overcome factors hindering an accurate temperature measurement.

Furthermore, these Welch Allyn Braun 06000-200 ThermoScan PRO 6000 ear thermometers also have a large, backlit display that allows easy reading of the temperature results. The backlit system also allows taking a reading at night.

The system also has the color-coded result indication feature that shows if there is no fever (green). However, if the patient has fever, the yellow light indicates its presence while the red light shows high-grade fever.

Moreover, these Welch Allyn Braun 06000-200 ThermoScan PRO 6000 ear thermometers are suitable for all age groups, from newborns to adults. The cradle provided with the device gives a dedicated spot for its charging and storage. Additionally, the system can store up to 9 temperature readings for later access.

Welch Allyn Braun 04000-200 ThermoScan PRO 4000 Ear Thermometer

Product Details

Welch Allyn Braun 04000-200 ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometers are also one of the best ear thermometers in the US market, especially for pediatric patients. These come with a pre-heated probe tip that eliminates that initial sensation of cold as soon as the tip touches the skin of the ear canal.

Moreover, in these Welch Allyn Braun 04000-200 ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometers, the sensor uses infrared technology to estimate body temperature from the eardrum. A separate probe cover is also needed to keep the tip hygienic.

Furthermore, these Welch Allyn Braun 04000-200 ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometers also have an LCD that displays temperature readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.

EasyTouch® Infrared Thermometer – Non-Contact, Instant Read, 1/BOX | 6/CASE

US$37.88 to $153.88

Product Details

EasyTouch® infrared non-contact thermometers are ideal for use in schools, clinics, as well as at workplaces, as they allow temperature measurement within 1 to 2 seconds. The device uses infrared technology for the estimation of body temperature in a non-invasive manner. In fact, the thermometer never touches the skin. As a result, there is no risk of cross-contamination from one person to another.

Moreover, the memory function of these EasyTouch® infrared non-contact thermometers allows the storage of previously taken temperature readings for later access. As for the unit, the device can display the readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales.

Medline No-Touch Infrared Forehead Thermometer DSNOTOUCH

DSNOTOUCH MDSNOTOUCH THERMOMETER INFARED

Product Details

Medline no-touch infrared forehead thermometers are lightweight and easy to handle devices that can display the recorded temperature reading in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. Due to their portability, these systems are suitable for clinical use apart from their employment in home settings.

Moreover, these Medline no-touch infrared forehead thermometers, like many other systems, have color-coded indicators to show the presence or absence as well as the state of fever. The device has been so designed that it can measure human body temperature as well as surface temperatures.

*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

Forehead thermometers work best for checking large groups in a shorter time

The products mentioned in this article, while learning about the Braun ear thermometers as well as forehead thermometers, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of thermometers.

Conclusion

Taking a person’s body temperature is part of the primary physical examination. When it comes to measuring this temperature, different kinds of thermometers have been designed and marketed, including ear thermometers, forehead thermometers, rectal thermometers, oral thermometers, etc.

Among these, the Braun ear thermometers are considered superior to forehead thermometers. This is because, despite having comparable accuracy, ear thermometers are less likely to produce a skewed result. This way, the temperature taken from the device is highly reliable.

However, forehead thermometers have their own benefits as well. It can be concluded that ear thermometers should be preferred for indoor use, while forehead thermometers are advantageous while dealing with larger population groups.

Considering their importance, Braun ear thermometers as well as forehead thermometers should be kept in home settings for convenience. For purchasing different types of thermometers, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.