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The 2021 Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Stethoscopes

30 Nov
2020

The 2021 Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Stethoscopes

For medical professionals, a stethoscope is an important equipment to perform their duties in the healthcare sector. Being a medical practitioner, the services you offer do not just rely on your skills, but also the quality of the equipment you use.

If you own a good stethoscope, you will be able to perform one of the most fundamental yet important task. This means, you will be able to assess the condition of the thoracic and abdominal organs along with the blood vessels. It needs to be understood that a stethoscope is not mere pieces of rubber tubing or metal, but rather has more significant use and purpose in terms of healthcare. A stethoscope is considered to be a common yet important diagnostic tool for the medical fraternity.

While shopping for this simple device, you may be perplexed by the variety of options you have. For instance, you may ponder if you need a dual head or single hand model, or do you require a specialty stethoscope for pediatrics or cardiology. Similarly, what are your options if you have certain hearing impairment?

On an average, a stethoscope has the following parts:

  • Ear tips
  • Ear tube
  • Tubing
  • Headset
  • Stem
  • Chest-piece
  • Diaphragm
  • Bell

Types of Stethoscopes Online

You may wonder if there are different types of stethoscope since all of them look the same when seen from the naked eye. However, it is not as easy as it may seem. Below are some of the different stethoscopes along with their functionality.

1) CARDIOLOGY STETHOSCOPE

The cardiology stethoscope looks like any other stethoscope but the only difference lies in its ability to deliver impeccable acoustic quality. Such a stethoscope gives healthcare professionals the ability to hear high and low frequency sounds from the diaphragm without a bell that can be found in dual headed stethoscopes. Alongside its high quality sound, the stethoscope has a thick earpiece that cancels out unnecessary noise and restricts interference with auscultations.

2) INFANT STETHOSCOPE

This stethoscope looks like the pediatric and neonate stethoscope but the only difference lies in its diameter. For infant, the chest piece measures roughly 2.6 cm giving accurate auscultations. With its non-latex construction that prevents allergic reactions, the device is ideal for infants. Medical practitioners use it to listen to the heart and other vital organs to diagnose and assess the patients.

3) NEONATAL STETHOSCOPE

This stethoscope is used for newborn patients diagnosis and physical assessment. The device comes with the smallest diameter enabling very accurate auscultations without any noise interference from the environment. They are known for their non-latex construction that avoids allergic reactions alongside a non-chill ring. The small size results in accurate diagnosis in a relatively shorter period requiring no adjustments.

4) PEDIATRIC STETHOSCOPE

While it may look like a regular stethoscope, the distinguishing factor is the color and size of the chest piece. With its small chest piece that enables accurate placement, and alluring colors that makes it look like a toy, intriguing children who may be frightened. Such a stethoscope is used to assess and diagnose sick children.

5) ELECTRONIC STETHOSCOPE

An electronic stethoscope helps in solving sound related problems by increasing the sound that we get from the chest piece. It electronically converts the sound waves into electric waves that are transmitted via circuits and ultimately processed for better listening. Such stethoscopes at times make use of piezoelectric crystals and come in two distinctive categories namely the digitizing or amplifying stethoscope. The advantage of such a stethoscope is that it amplifies the respiratory and the cardiac sounds enabling better diagnosis in case of faint sound. Moreover, it can also filter to select different cardiac or pulmonary sounds.

6) TEACHING STETHOSCOPE

Such a stethoscope features single lumen tubing for extreme durability. It comes with a solid stainless chest piece and dual headset. This allows both students and teachers to use the stethoscope simultaneously. They are generally used for teaching purposes.

Best Stethoscopes to Choose Online at Pulse Uniform

  1. Prestige Dual Head Infant Edition Stethoscope

    This stethoscope is undoubtedly a treat for all pediatricians. It comes with a traditional Dual Head for infants. With its precise size that garners the best acoustics, the device is ideal for diagnosis of infants. With soft PVC ear tips. And superior quality, the device is well worth your money.

  2. Littmann Classic II SE Teaching Stethoscope

    The 3M LittmannĀ® Classic II S.E. Stethoscope allows you to perform two auscultations simultaneously with its two headsets. The Master Classic II stethoscope comes with one burgundy and one black tube featuring a single-sided chest piece with the tunable diaphragm for optimal performance.

  3. Prestige Hip Clip Stethoscope Holder

    If you are looking for convenience, then the Prestige Hip Clip Stethoscope Holder is all you need. Known for its sturdiness, the device is easy to clean. Ideal for those who don't want their stethoscope to keep on hanging around their neck. With this stethoscope holder, the device will stay at the hip level making it accessible with ease.

CONCLUSION

All in all, if you are looking to invest in a stethoscope for yourself, make sure you focus on performance, quality, material and functionality of the device. Your primary goal is to get the one which is extremely durable.