Using a stethoscope at home

A stethoscope is a medical device that is often purchased for use at home. The device has passed a long way of improvement, from the appearance of the first product in the early XIX century. "to what?" A wide variety of options, often makes you wonder what kind of stethoscope is suitable for home use? How to choose a high-quality device with a long service life?

Types of stethoscopes, their brief overview

Today, stethoscopes are produced in several versions. Among them, the pediatric (neonatal), cardiological, obstetric, and electronic types are particularly popular. In order to determine, you should pay attention to the following characteristics of devices:

1. Pediatric stethoscope. It is characterized by high acoustics and the presence of a special rim, which minimizes unpleasant sensations in the child. Neonatal devices that are used for newborns have improved acoustics. The pediatric stethoscope has an innovative double, steel head. The membrane is replaced if the flat glass is not cooled. The integrated double spring makes this type of stethoscope relevant, both for medical institutions and for use at home;
2. Cardiological device. This option has high accuracy rates, which make it possible to hear heart noises of low and high frequencies. More modern cardiac stethoscopes are supplemented with a practical "Master" system. This solution allows you to change the mode by pressing on the top of the head, without turning it over. Usually this element is made of materials that do not cause a feeling of cold and slide well. A more accurate diagnosis is provided by the use of a two-frequency membrane. Usually products from well-known, global manufacturers have a long warranty period-about 5-7 years;
3. Obstetric option. Allows you to hear the heartbeat of the child in the womb. Their other name is fetal Doppler - a specialized device that is used in obstetrics. Stethoscope allows you to make auscultation-assessment of noise in the lungs or heart, blood flow, during childbirth (baby's heart noise, blood pressure measurement). The use of such a stethoscope is a great option to hear your baby, it transmits sounds in detail, up to hiccups and any movement. Individual models have a sound recording device in their design that transmits the recording to a computer. You can choose an option with audio recordings of classics or sounds of nature;
4. Electronic stethoscope. A great option for modern medical equipment. It differs from the standard device in its configuration, which includes headphones and an electronic microphone. The popularity of the device is due to the high accuracy of data and ease of use. At the same time, the cost of such a stethoscope is much higher than other types. However, the efficiency of a product that allows you to listen to a person in rooms with high noise is also higher, thanks to a new development - noise suppression technology. The advantage is also an effective diagnosis of the respiratory system, because you can separately get data on low and high noise frequencies, which is difficult with the usual version of a stethoscope.

The selection criteria of the stethoscope

Which stethoscope to choose depends mainly on the purpose of using the device and the user's hearing. Optimal for home use will be the option with clear sound transmission, comfortable to use and with a pleasant appearance. In order for the stethoscope to serve a long service life, when choosing it, you should pay attention to:

• Material. It can be both strong stainless steel and light products made of aluminum or plastic. Each of them has its own characteristics;
• Membrane. The best options are made of high-quality flexible and dense materials that are rarely used for cheap devices. The membrane must also be close to the body and have a sufficient diameter to catch sounds with a low frequency;
• Up. We recommend a thick material with double separation inside the hole, which will improve sound transmission and isolate from noise from the outside. So, the large thickness, about 4.6 mm, allows you to make an excellent, high-quality noise insulation. Among the materials used are mainly vinyl and rubber tubes. The length of the element for comfortable use is not less than 30 mm and up to 55 mm;
• Ear tips. They can be hard, plastic versions or soft, rubber products. The first do not change their shape and are installed straight, and the second adjust to the curves of the ear and eliminate leakage of sounds. 

A properly selected stethoscope will effectively last a long time.