Considering this fact, an increase in tubing length provides a better response to the lower frequency sounds an advantage in auscultation. Many heart sounds fall below Hz and are considered low frequency. Because it has been shown that the human ear is least sensitive to low frequency sounds, improved low frequency response is an advantage. Taking these two factors into account, there is no detectable difference in acoustical performance between Littmann stethoscopes with shorter tubing vs.
In fact, there may be some enhancements to low frequency sounds. When purchasing a stethoscope, the health care practitioner needs to consider their own needs and practices. Longer tubing might be more appropriate for people wearing the stethoscope around their neck as it drapes better. Many practitioners would like a little more distance from sicker patients while auscultating. JavaScript seem to be disabled in your browser. This US-based company is the leader in stethoscope sales due to:.
However, there are more affordable, highly rated brands other than 3M Littmann. Dual head — A dual head stethoscope has two listening areas- the diaphragm larger surface to listen to high pitched sounds, and the bell smaller surface to hear lower-pitched sounds.
Single head, or acoustic, stethoscopes allow auscultation of high and low pitched sounds based on how the amount of pressure applied to the head. Low pitched sounds can be heard with the stethoscope diaphragm resting lightly on the patient, and are easily converted to high pitched sounds when the examiner places firm contact pressure on the stethoscope head.
Digital or electronic stethoscopes allow ambient noise filtration and heart and lung sound recordings. However, these stethoscopes are very expensive and are not superior to dual or single head stethoscopes. No other brand rates the acoustic level of their products.
Stethoscope tubing, made of polyvinyl chloride PVC , is latex-free and easy to clean. The tubes will crack after long term exposure to human skin substances, so longevity increases if nurses place the stethoscope over a collar or minimize tube to skin contact.
Most higher-performing stethoscopes have a double lumen in a single tube from the diaphragm to the earpieces, allowing for improved sound quality. Some lower-performing stethoscopes have a single tube—one tube traveling from the diaphragm, then splitting off into a tube to each earpiece.
Acoustics are less sharp in the single tube stethoscope but are adequate for checking blood pressures. Nurses should avoid purchasing single lumen poor acoustic stethoscopes. Stethoscope tubing is available in inch to inch lengths. Medical practitioners once thought that the acoustics were better in a shorter tubing length.
However, research proved that no real acoustical difference exists. Some dual head stethoscopes include an accessory kit with adult, pediatric, and infant bells. Cardiology single head stethoscopes have a pressure-sensitive tunable head that functions as both a diaphragm and bell depending on the applied pressure. This tunable diaphragm allows for easy shift between high and low frequency sounds. To hear low-frequency sounds, you rest the chest piece lightly on the patient; to hear high-frequency sounds, you apply firm contact pressure to the chest piece.
There are also very inexpensive single head stethoscopes that are only used to measure blood pressure. Electronic models provide sound amplification and ambient noise reduction. They also allow saved recordings with the capability of sending recordings to a computer using wireless connectivity. Tubing Length Most stethoscopes come in inch or inch tube lengths. Shorter tubing, in theory, offers better sound volume, but the human ear does not detect the difference in acoustical performance between a stethoscope with shorter tubing versus one with longer tubing.
Practical factors come into play when considering tubing length. Longer tubing allows more distance from sick patients when auscultating and improves ergonomics as there is less bending over patients.
If you value acoustic quality above all else, however, this has the best sound quality before taking a large price leap into electronic stethoscopes. Electronic stethoscopes digitally boost the sound coming through the diaphragm to much higher levels and selectively decrease ambient noise. The Littmann Electronic Stethoscope can be set to diaphragm or bell mode to selectively hear high or low frequencies respectively.
Note: This review is for the stethoscope. The has the same auditory benefits, but it can record sounds for playback later. Under normal circumstances, there is no reason to spend the considerable extra money for an electronic stethoscope. For those with hearing loss, however, it can really improve their ability to examine patients.
After spending a lot of money on a nice stethoscope, it would be a shame to crush it under books or puncture the diaphragm as it rolls around in a bag with the rest of your stuff. A hard case protects your Littmann stethoscope from damage and can double as a pouch to consolidate nick-knacks. Personally I like the zippered hard case. This case is best suited for single lumen stethoscopes.
All Littmann Cardiology stethoscopes have double-lumen tubing. Double-lumen tubing can break or warp if left in the case for long periods of time. It is larger, and maybe a bit too big to carry around, but a double-lumen stethoscope fits comfortably inside and can be stored for long periods of time without warping. Peter Oldani graduated college with a B. Follow Peter on Quora and Linkedin. Receive our email newsletter with the latest news, innovation and technology in the emergency services field.
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