Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared thermometer with a heatable probe head, in particular a clinical thermometer for taking a patient's temperature in the ear, and to a heatable protective cover. The probe head possesses a radiation inlet zone at its forward end. A heating element is also arranged there. The heating element is either connected to a protective cover adapted to be fitted over the probe head or secured to the forward end of the probe head.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for taking measurements in the ear, having a positioning aid enabling a probe head (10) of the apparatus to be properly aligned in a user's auditory canal (12). The apparatus of the present invention comprises a source of radiation (24) emitting energy particularly in the visible region, a photodetector (30) suitable for sensing this radiation, and an associated evaluation unit and, where applicable, an indicating unit for representing the alignment of the probe head in the auditory canal (12). This canal receives the radiation from the radiation source (24), with part of the radiation being scattered back into the probe head (10) and sensed by the photodetector (30). In this arrangement, the radiant power sensed is dependent on the mean distance between the reflecting tissue and the probe head (10), with a minimum radiant power corresponding to a correct alignment of the probe head (10) to the rear auditory canal (12) and hence to the tympanic membrane (38).