EarCheck | Frequently Asked Questions

EarCheck® Device

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is monitoring middle ear fluid important?

Middle ear fluid is a key sign of an ear infection. The presence of fluid indicates that the child should see a doctor to determine the course of treatment.
What does the EarCheck® Middle Ear Monitor do?

EarCheck^® sends a pleasant chirping sound into the ear canal. Some of this sound bounces off the eardrum and travels back to the instrument's built-in processor. EarCheck^® then analyzes the reflected sound to determine if there is fluid in the middle ear. If fluid is present, the eardrum's vibrations may be restricted.
What will the instrument tell me?

EarCheck^® quickly determines the probability of middle ear fluid, a key sign of an ear infection, and interprets the results on the easy-to-read display panel.
Why do I need the EarCheck® Middle Ear Monitor?

EarCheck^® quickly determines the probability of middle ear fluid, a key sign of an ear infection, to help you identify when a child might have an ear infection, when it's necessary to seek medical attention, and when the fluid is going away or gone.
Can this instrument take the place of a doctor?

No. EarCheck^® is designed to enable you to help your doctor by providing him or her with important information about your child's ear health.
How do I use the EarCheck® Middle Ear Monitor?
EarCheck^® provides fast and accurate results in just three easy steps:

Stabilize the child in an upright position; gently hold the ear up and back.
Carefully insert the tip into the child's ear canal, making certain the tip points directly down the canal opening.
Press the SCAN button once; EarCheck^® will make a soft chirping sound. Within seconds, results will be indicated on the display panel.
How accurate is it?

EarCheck^® is one of the most thoroughly tested and independently evaluated consumer medical products available. To date, EarCheck^® has been used by more than 5,000 medical professionals and 70,000 parents. The Monitor is FDA approved and UL listed.
Can the EarCheck® be used on any child?
Use EarCheck^® if your child:

Shows signs of an ear infection
Is being treated for an ear infection
Has a cold
Suffers from frequent ear infections

NOTE: EarCheck^® should NOT be used on children under 6 months of age, or on those who have ear tubes (ventilation tubes), water in the outer ear (i.e., swimmer's ear), known perforation or rupture of the eardrum, excessive cerumen (wax) blockage, facial/ear deformities or visible drainage of pus or blood in the outer ear canal.
Does this device work on adults?

EarCheck^® has not been validated for use on adults. EarCheck^® has been extensively tested on children and has been shown to be accurate when used according to the instructions. However, EarCheck^® has had only limited testing on adults. Consequently, we do not have enough data to submit for clearance by the FDA to market EarCheck^® to adults.
Is this the same instrument doctors use?

EarCheck^® uses gentle sounds waves to accurately and painlessly detect the presence of middle ear fluid, a key sign of an ear infection. This is the same patented and proven acoustic reflectometry technology used by thousands of physicians since 1997, and is a technique recommended by the American Academies of Pediatrics and Family Physicians.¹

¹The AAP/AAFP have not specifically recommended the EarCheck^® Middle Ear Monitor.
Where can I buy the EarCheck® Middle Ear Monitor?

You can purchase EarCheck^® by clicking here.
What kind of batteries does it use?

EarCheck^® uses 2 AA batteries (included).
How does it work?

EarCheck^® sends a pleasant chirping sound into the ear canal. Some of this sound bounces off the eardrum and travels back to the instrument's built-in processor. EarCheck^® then analyzes the reflected sound to determine if there is fluid in the middle ear. If fluid is present, the eardrum's vibrations may be restricted.
Why am I getting a lot of error symbols?

When taking a reading, make sure you are holding the ear up and back and are in a relatively quiet location (no excessive background noise, etc).
Will the sound or continual use of the device hurt my child or his/her hearing?

No. EarCheck^® is safe to use for frequent monitoring.
What if the tip is too large for my child's ear?

When taking a reading, be sure to carefully insert the tip into the child's ear canal, making certain the tip points directly down the canal opening. The tip does not need to actually be inserted into the ear canal, especially in smaller children; the tip just needs to cover the ear canal opening.
How does earwax affect the unit?

It is not recommended that EarCheck^® be used when excessive earwax (more than 50% blockage), is present as the device cannot detect an appropriate echo and may result in an "error" reading.
Why am I getting different level readings when I check my child's readings throughout the day?

Fluid levels can vary throughout the day and may sometimes vary quickly, especially when the child ventilates his/her ears. For this reason, taking readings at approximately the same time each day may be helpful.
If this device only checks for fluid, why does the box reference ear infections?

EarCheck^® detects the likelihood of fluid, a key indication of an ear infection.
Is there always fluid in the middle ear with an ear infection?

Young children are more likely to have middle ear fluid and develop middle ear infections because the Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the ear to the back of the nose and helps drain and control fluids in the middle ear) is shorter, wider and more horizontal than in adults. As a result, infected fluids from the back of the nose may reach the middle ear more easily.
What is the warranty?

EarCheck^® is guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for a period of one year under normal household use. This guarantee extends only to the original purchaser. The guarantee excludes the batteries. Should repair become necessary within the guarantee period, please call customer service at:

1-888-EAR-CHEK (327-2435)

We will either repair or replace (at our discretion), free of charge any parts necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship. This guarantee is complete and exclusive. The guarantor expressly disclaims liability for incidental, special, or consequential damages of any nature. (Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above guarantee may not apply to you.) This guarantee gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
What is the return policy?
1. Returns are accepted ONLY if a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is issued by Innovia Medical and is marked clearly on the box.
2. Obtain an RMA number via e-mail to customercare@earcheck.com or by calling 1-888-327-2435 and providing this information:

Purchase Date
Computer Assigned Sales Order Number
Customer Name
Reason for RMA Request
E-mail and Telephone Contact Number

If you receive an EarCheck^® that is damaged or defective, please email customercare@earcheck.com as soon as possible. For faster service call us at 1-888-EAR-CHEK (327-2435), and we will remedy the situation. We do not reimburse for freight charges.

Earcheck - Middle Ear Monitor