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Tympanic membrane thermometry (TMT) is being evaluated under a variety of clinical situations and settings, including the pediatric office and emergency room. These studies have universally evaluated the functional performance of the tympanic thermometer (TT), which uses infrared detectors to determine the flow of heat from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and ear canal. They have been proven to rapidly and accurately record body temperature, to be easy to use, and are widely accepted by patients, parents and physicians. The performance of these devices, however, is contingent on the accessibility of the tympanic membrane to the detector of the thermometer. Clinical and structural differences, the presence of cerumen (earwax), acute infectious processes, eardrum perforations and scarring were assessed for their impact on the function of the TT. One hundred private practice patients, being examined for a variety of clinical reasons, were enrolled in the study. Temperatures were taken by a nurse or nurse assistant at the beginning of the visit, by simply inserting the Thermoscan infrared thermometer into the ear canal. The physician took readings at the beginning and end of each visit, but performed an ear tug to properly orient the TT in relation to the eardrum. (Tugging the ear means gently pulling the outer ear upward and toward the back of the head.) Pre-exam oral temperatures were also taken by the nurse, who used an electronic IVAC thermometer (Model 2080). The procedure using the ear tug provided temperature readings that correlated better with the oral readings. Scarring of the tympanic membrane appeared to alter the temperature readings. Other clinical and physical conditions did not produced significant variations in the recorded temperatures. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Case Report Discussion References Abstract We describe a case of severe hypertrophy of the tori tubarius (TT) treated with coblation radiofrequency. The patient, a ten [...]