Am I being unreasonable to expect consistent temperature readings from an ear thermometer?

[LoopyLoo5]

I have just bought an ear thermometer which suggests,as a new user, you take 3 readings consecutively to get a correct temperature reading.I got readings that varied by 4 degrees even though I used the exact same technique! wtf?! my son went from a high temperature to normal in 1minute. Am I doing it wrong or are ear thermometers a waste of money?! How am I supposed to know if it's accurate or not?!

Arghhh!! This has happened to me with two expensive ear thermometers...last time DD was ill it said her temp was 34.6, later I took her to GP to be told her temp was 38. tbh I suspect that they just don't work . Now rely on the how hot does child feel and how grumpy/grouchy/sleepy are they - not exactly science, but guess it's what people did in the past!

I agree - the range is astounding. Often taking a temp in a different ear, seconds later will also give a huge divergence. It is difficult to work out what the actual temp is! I much prefer the old mercury under the tongue method but it's probably illegal now

AIBU to think this is not an AIBU thread??? It could go in Health or the newly created and much talked about ear-thermometer discussion board.

Only joking.

Isn't this the thread topic for proper arguments? Just saying.

Took the baby to the Docs t'other day she told me they don't use in ear thermometers anymore only armpit ones due to inaccuracies

Thanks everyone. Back to the armpit thermometers and hand on head methods it is then :)