Which Stethoscopes Hear Better?

As with any item you use on a daily basis in your profession, you want to ensure you have the one that works best for you. There isn't one particular stethoscope which beats all others or hears every heartbeat the best. Instead you need to take into consideration what you use your stethoscope for and try out a number of different models until you find one that works best for you.

Find the Best Stethoscope for You

• As with any product, the market is flooded with models claiming to be the best. Do not get sucked into sales pitches; remember you only need to find the stethoscope which works best for you. A stethoscope which fits you well, is comfortable to use, is long lasting and allows you to clearly hear your patients heartbeat is what you're after. Remember, the most expensive option might not be the best option.

Consider Your Profession

• When purchasing a stethoscope you should also take into consideration which kind of work you are doing. Cardiologists might prefer a stethoscope which allows them to hear both high and low frequency sounds, while obstetricians may find a cardiologist's favorite stethoscope useless when it comes to hearing faint heartbeats.

Features to Look Into

• Stethoscopes come with a wide range of features that you will want to check out. As with any product, a lifetime warranty is always a good thing to consider and ensures your stethoscope will be helping you hear heartbeats until you retire. Some stethoscopes have a "non-chill rim" to make your patients more comfortable. Overtime, ear tips will harden, causing you to strain to hear your patients heartbeat. Look into soft ear tips which will make listening easier. A tunable diaphragm can also help you eliminate other noises, making it easier to hear the heartbeat of your patient. Buying a stethoscope with convertible chest pieces might also be useful for some professionals

Do Your Research

• Ask for advice from other professionals in your field and offer to try out a variety of stethoscopes before making your final decision. Read online reviews to get an idea of what features you think you might like and consider your patients comfort. A bit of effort put into researching stethoscopes before purchasing one can save you time and money into the future as well as making your job easier.