Please create an account or log in to access all these features
Please create an account or log in to access all these features
Talk
Chat
Start thread
MNHQ: Our new mobile apps are out now!
Watch thread Flip
Watch Save
14 replies
DisneyPlus · 01/10/2020 14:09
I’ve tested this on 3 thermometers. They’re all decent brands; batteries fine and changed the ear probe. It’s fine on other people too.
I have a cold and felt grim, so checked my temp. My right says I have a fever, my left ear does not. It’s about 0.5 C difference. Which ear do I go with? 
Seriously though, is this normal? And do you go with the higher or lower?
OP posts:
Quote
React
Add post Report
dementedpixie · 01/10/2020 14:27
What temperature is each ear giving?
Quote
React
Add post
Report
WishUponAStar88 · 01/10/2020 14:29
Do you feel hot? Current Covid guidance says you need to test if you feel you’ve got a temperature (no need to check actual value).
Quote
React
Add post
Report
GreyishDays · 01/10/2020 14:29
I wonder if you have earwax in one ear that insulated it a bit or something?
Alternatively you have a hot ear caused by an ear infection. Maybe. I’m not a medic.
Quote
React
Add post
Report
Interested in this thread?
Then you might like threads about this subject:
General health
TokenGinger · 01/10/2020 14:30
I get the same with DS. It's weird!
Quote
React
Add post
Report
SisyphusAndTheRockOfUntidiness · 01/10/2020 14:30
Do you have a headache? I get migraines on one side & there's a definite temperature difference - we've tested it. Presumably it's to do with the blood flow. Have you been laying on one side?
Quote
React
Add post
Report
tenlittlecygnets · 01/10/2020 14:32
Ear infection on one side?
Quote
React
Add post
Report
Advertisement
Heartofstrings · 01/10/2020 14:33
One of my boys always has this. Sick or not sick his ears are often minimum of 0.5 degrees out. Usually more!
Quote
React
Add post
Report
Mumsnet Weekly Hot Threads
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
DisneyPlus · 01/10/2020 14:36
I don’t have a headache or ear ache.
I’m trying to get a covid swab booked anyway (stupid website!) but I was just curious.
One ear is 37.9 and the other is 37.4
OP posts:
Quote
React
Add post
Report
BertieBotts · 01/10/2020 14:39
Are you maybe accidentally touching the ear drum on one side due to different angle of approach using dominant or non dominant hand?
Quote
React
Add post
Report
steppemum · 01/10/2020 14:42
My youngest dd is 12, and every single time I have taken her temp, there is a different reading in each ear.
I have been told by mutiple medical professionals that that is impossible, and then they do it and see it and go away confused.
They say take the higher one, so that is what I do.
My conclusion is that there must be something in one ear that insulates (and no, she doesn't have waxy ears) and lowers the reading on that side.
Quote
React
Add post
Report
steppemum · 01/10/2020 14:44
lowers the reading on that side.
on the basis that you could lower it, but could only articficially raise it if there was something hot in the body.
Quote
React
Add post
Report
raspberryraindrops · 01/10/2020 14:49
My ears never measure the same temperature as each other- they're always out. I thought this was normal...
Quote
React
Add post
Report
DisneyPlus · 01/10/2020 14:52
@BertieBotts
Are you maybe accidentally touching the ear drum on one side due to different angle of approach using dominant or non dominant hand?
Ooh interesting point. Didn’t think of that.
OP posts:
Quote
React
Add post
Report
DisneyPlus · 01/10/2020 20:36
Tried taking my temp at a slightly different position this evening and one ear is 38 and the other is 37.6 - so still a difference.
(Home covid swab on it’s way)
OP posts:
Quote
React
Add post
Report
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Watch Save
Watch thread Flip
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.
Join Mumsnet Log In
