Temperature measurement in the external auditory meatus by an IR optical fiber

A system to measure temperature in the external auditory meatus (EAM) using an IR optical fiber was developed. Radiant heat in the EAM was transmitted through an IR optical fiber to the focal area of the IR-camera with expansive lens and temperature per area was calculated by the radiant heat. On the basis of the difference between room temperature and the object temperature, the temperature of the object was calibrated at room temperature between 19 and 28°C. The temperature is relative temperature change, but it is measured easily because the room temperature change is included in the calibration. The temperature in EAM could be measured every 0.1 s, while subjects pulled a back muscle dynamometer as powerfully and quickly as possible. The temperature in the EAM rose just before exercise. It is suggested that the temperature change shows brain activity such as EEG and EMG in physiological exercises