A heater for changing a projection distance protrusion value by thermal expansion accompanying electric-power-distributed heating is embedded in a head having a reading element and a recording element. A clearance control information measurement unit measures and saves, at desired correction timing, clearance control information including a clearance required for controlling the clearance between the reading element and the recording medium, heater projection sensitivity protrusion sensitivity, projection distance protrusion value transition time, recording current projection distance protrusion value, and a temperature correction coefficient. The clearance control unit varies the electric power distributed to the heater and changes the projection distance protrusion value of the head, thereby controlling the clearance to a target clearance upon reproduction and recording.