Stethescopes

3M Littmann Stethoscopes are known for first-class sound quality and comfort. But there are some simple things you can do to ensure the performance and wearability of your new scope.

Headset Alignment

Before placing the eartips in your ears, hold the headset in front of you with the eartubes pointing away . Once the eartips are in your ears, they should point forward ). Not all ear canals are alike. If after inserting the eartips properly the fit still isn’t comfortable, and/or acoustic performance is lacking, grasp each of the eartubes and adjust the headset for a custom fit. Wearing the headset improperly can result in a poor acoustical seal and in some cases, complete sound blockage.

Fit of Eartips

For optimal acoustic performance, it’s important to use the eartip size that best fits your ear. This is especially true when using the soft-sealing eartips. All eartips are available in small and large.

Possible Obstructions

If you usually carry your stethoscope in a pocket or don’t clean it often, lint or dirt may accumulate and obstruct the sound pathway. To prevent debris from accumulating, give your stethoscope routine cleaning and care.

The Seal

Stethoscopes rely on an airtight seal in order to transmit body sounds from the patient to the practitioner’s ears. Loose parts in the chestpiece, loose tubing, or cracked tubing can prevent an airtight seal.

Open the Bell

When using a double-sided stethoscope, you need to open (or index) the bell or diaphragm by rotating the chestpiece. If the diaphragm is open, the bell will be closed, preventing sound from coming in through the bell, and vice versa.

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Modern stethoscopes: nearly 200 years in the making

In 1819, French physician Rene Laennec invented the first stethoscope using a long, rolled paper tube to funnel the sound. Simple, yet effective. Twenty-five years later, George P. Cammann of New York, developed the first stethoscope with an earpiece for each ear. This model would be used for more than 100 years with very few modifications.

It wasn’t until the early 1960s that Dr. David Littmann, a Harvard Medical School professor, distinguished cardiologist and recognized international authority on electrocardiography, patented a revolutionary new stethoscope with vastly improved acoustical performance. He helped to transform a simple listening device into a powerful diagnostic tool.

Today, thanks to numerous innovations like Ambient Noise Reduction and Bluetooth® technology, the 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope is the gold standard by which all other stethoscopes are judged. Worldwide, the Littmann brand name promises superior acoustics, innovative design and exceptional performance.