A stethoscope is an instrument used by physicians to listen to the sounds of a patient’s chest, abdomen, and pelvis to learn about their health. It consists of several parts and is used to detect low, medium, and high-pitched noises.
There are different types of stethoscopes available, i.e., neonatal stethoscopes, infant stethoscopes, etc. You can also choose a disposable stethoscope.
However, a stethoscope is only effective if you know how to use it correctly. To learn about the basic components of a stethoscope and how to use it, continue reading this article.
Basic Components of a Stethoscope
A stethoscope is a medical tool that has saved millions of lives. Here are the several basic components of a single-head stethoscope.
- Earpieces
The earpieces on a stethoscope are small, hard plastic or soft silicone tips that fit into your ears.
- Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a round chest piece that is larger and picks up higher-pitched sounds such as breath sounds.
- Bell
The bell is the smaller, hollow part of the head of the stethoscope that picks up lower-frequency sounds such as heart murmurs.
- Tubing
Tubing is a long, hollow cylinder pipe in a stethoscope that connects the headset to the chest piece.
Here is a video on How does a stethoscope detect sound?
How to Properly Use a Stethoscope?
If you are a doctor or other medical professional, learning how to properly use a stethoscope will help you to better listen to the sounds of your patient’s body. Here are some steps you need to follow in order to properly use a stethoscope.
- Step 1: Quiet Environment
First, you will need a quiet environment. This means no running ceiling fans, equipment, or other noises that may interfere with your ability to hear the stethoscope properly.
- Step 2: Use A Quality Stethoscope
In order to make a proper diagnosis, you need to use a quality stethoscope. It’s best to opt for a black stethoscope that has a sturdy, lightweight design and is made from quality materials. You can buy the best quality stethoscope from Caretek.
- Step 3: Adjust The Earpieces
When you use a stethoscope, the earpieces need to fit comfortably inside your ears. They should also provide a tight acoustic seal and keep noise out. To make sure that the earpieces are fitted properly, adjust them before using the stethoscope.
- Step 4: Choose The Best Chest Piece
You also need to use the best chest piece of the double headed stethoscope as it affects the sounds. The best chest pieces for stethoscopes are made from high-density materials like steel or titanium, which conduct sound better than porous materials like aluminum.
- Step 5: Position Your Patient
When using a stethoscope, it is important to position the patient correctly. This can make a huge difference in how easily you can hear the body’s sounds.
- Step 6: Diaphragm or Bell
The diaphragm and bell of a dual head stethoscope are designed to help you pick up the different sounds that your patient is making. The bell is generally better for hearing low-pitched sounds, and the diaphragm is best for high-pitched sounds. You can switch between the two sides of the stethoscope depending on the patient’s condition.
- Step 7: Hold the Chest-Piece
Next, you need to know how to hold the stethoscope. You need to place the thumb of your non-dominant hand on the center of the metal disk of the chestpiece. Now, you can place it on the patient’s body can listen to sounds.
Conclusion
Despite the new technologies and advances in the world of healthcare, a stethoscope is still considered the holy grail of diagnostic tools. It may be a little old school, but knowing how to use it is essential to assess your patients’ well-being. Visit Caretek if you are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use, and accurate stethoscope. If you want to know why the stethoscope is important, click here.
