When you want to get the best stethoscope, there’s no alternative to trying out different devices. Ask your colleagues and fellow medical practitioners if you can use their devices. But don’t forget to clean the ear tips before and after use. Check features of the devices like length, diaphragm, and quality of earbuds to make an opinion on those devices.
If you’re buying your first ever stethoscope, here’s a detailed guide to choosing a device that you are comfortable with and that can help in providing healthcare services to your patients. It is a simple device and common medical equipment necessary for everyone working in the healthcare industry.
Let’s discuss the parts of a stethoscope and understand their functions
1. Chest Piece
It is the most vital part of a stethoscope as it is a chest piece that picks up the heartbeat and sound of other vital organs. In standard devices, you get only a diaphragm, but in advanced devices, you get a bell as well. Here it is necessary to explain that the diaphragm picks high-frequency sounds, and the bell is used for hearing low-frequency sounds. You can buy a Littmann stethoscope that comes with a chest piece, diaphragm, and bell.
Another necessary thing to note about the chest piece is its size. For example, take a stethoscope with a flatter and more oval chest piece. A flatter chest piece is easier to slide into a blood-pressure cuff for conducting blood-pressure readings.
2. Tube Length
The standard tube length of stethoscopes ranges between 22 to 31 inches. But most devices come with a tube length of 27 inches. You should choose a tube length keeping your height in mind. Choose the tube length that allows you to keep a safe distance from a patient while examining the patient’s internal organs. Go to the Littmann stethoscope for sale, where you will find devices of different tube lengths.
3. Tube Quality
Hold a stethoscope by its headset and allow its tube to expand up to its full length. Now examine if the tube kinks or bends. If yes, then understand that it is a stiff tube that could create difficulties in using the stethoscope. An ideal device comes with a flexible tube with no kinks or bends.
4. Ear Buds
The sound waves will travel from the chest piece to the tube and to the earbuds that will transmit the sound to your ears so you can listen to the sound of the internal organs of the patient. But earbuds that are too tight or loose could make it difficult for you to hear the sound. The earbuds should fit snugly into your ears. Standard devices use earbuds made of either silicone or rubber. But you can change the earbuds as and when required. Keep this factor in mind when you buy a stethoscope online.
5. Cost
The cost of a stethoscope depends on its build quality, brand, and technology. For example, a standard device with a simple diaphragm will be cost-effective, but an advanced device with an electronic chest piece will cost you a price. If you are a general medical practitioner who needs a device only for a general checkup, you can buy a standard device. But if you are a cardiologist, you should buy an advanced technology stethoscope.
Final Thoughts
If you are a senior about buying a new stethoscope, you will be advised to buy a Littmann stethoscope online. Littmann is a leading brand that makes quality devices for every medical professional. Whether you are a registered nurse or a senior surgeon, if you want to buy a stethoscope then Littmann is the best.
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