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10 March 2020

How to choose the best Stethoscope for you?

How to choose the best Stethoscope for you?

Your stethoscope isn’t just an important part of your uniform, it’s a vital component in helping you properly diagnose and treat patients. However, if you’re new to the field or just looking to upgrade your current model you know that finding the best stethoscope can become a bit of a challenge. You want something practical, reliable and professional.

Introducing Littmann Stethoscopes, they have been the best in the industry since the 1960s when David Littmann first revolutionised personal diagnostic equipment and they have continued to develop with new features and innovations today. With a wide selection on offer they come in a variety of styles, designs, colours, and price points. Littmann stethoscopes are the right choice for every medical professional, as you need a high-performance dependable stethoscope.

Read on to decide how to choose the best Littmann for you…

Hear, see and feel the difference…

It is always beneficial to try before you buy with a Littmann so that you hear, feel and see all of the differences for yourself. Ask your colleagues if you can test out theirs (remember to clean the tips before and after use) and chances are a Littmann will provide you with everything that you need and more.

Hear the difference…

• The ultimate test: How much can you hear? Slip on a Littmann stethoscope (make sure the eartips point toward your nose). Put the tunable diaphragm on your chest using light pressure. Hear your heartbeat? Notice how loud the sound is.

• How much louder? More than four times louder. An internal 3M test showed that heart sounds heard through the adult diaphragm of a Littmann stethoscope were more than four times louder (20 dB) than the same sounds heard through a different brand of stethoscope. That’s like the difference between whispering and talking. It could be the critical difference between hearing something significant in a patient, or not hearing it at all.

• After you’ve listened for yourself, listen to others. Read online reviews. Ask people who use Littmann stethoscopes. You’ll encounter story after story about people who depend on Littmann stethoscopes because they clearly hear the difference.

See the difference…

• Try this: Hold any stethoscope by its headset; let it hang vertically. Do you see distinct kinks or bends which can make the stethoscope hard to use? That indicates stiff tubing which can pull on eartips. Littmann stethoscope tubing hangs straight; it flexes easily as you examine a patient.

• As you hold the headset, note how the eartubes cross. Littmann stethoscope eartubes are symmetrical for ideal eartip seal and comfort.

• The headset should be adjustable for individual fit and comfort. The headset tension of all Littmann stethoscopes is easily adjusted by gently squeezing the eartubes together to increase tension, or pulling them apart to decrease tension.

Feel the difference…

• Run your fingers over the Littmann stethoscope snap tight eartips. They’re smooth to seal comfortably inside your ears without irritation. Now try to pull one off the eartube. The eartips really do snap tight for maximum acoustic performance and safety.

• Finally, feel the weight. Littmann stethoscopes are designed to feel light and comfortable when draped around your neck or carried in a pocket.

Which is best for you?

It can be relatively simple to determine the best stethoscope for your field. The best stethoscope for nurses might not be the best for doctors, and vise-versa. Nurses are less likely to need costly, high-tech devices that record data.

But before you do anything, ask yourself how often you use your stethoscope and determine a budget. Check out this Littmann comparison guide below to help you decide which is the best option for you.

Littmann Comparison Guide

Still wondering which Littmann is best for you?

You can view our full range of Littmann stethoscopes by clicking here.

As a highly considered purchase if you would like to speak to a member of the team for further information please email sales@spservices.co.uk or call our office on 01952 288 999.

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