Stethoscope (Outdoor Use)

Stethoscope

The stethoscope is a medical instrument that has been used for centuries to listen to the internal sounds of the body.

Description

Specially designed light weight plastic chestpiece offers high quality acoustic effect even in a noisy environment, come with inner spring binaural tubing.

The History of the Stethoscope

The stethoscope is a medical instrument that has been used for centuries to listen to the internal sounds of the body. It is one of the most important tools in a physician’s arsenal, and its history is as fascinating as the instrument itself. The stethoscope was invented in 1816 by French physician René Laennec. At the time, doctors would place their ear directly on the patient’s chest in order to listen to their heartbeat. However, Laennec thought this method was too intimate and invasive, so he came up with the idea of using a wooden tube to amplify the sound. Laennec’s invention quickly caught on, and by 1850, there were over 100 different types of stethoscopes being used around the world. In 1851, Scottish physician Sir James Young Simpson introduced the first metal stethoscope, which was more durable and had better acoustics than its predecessors. Today, stethoscopes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to help doctors diagnose and treat their patients.

Types of Stethoscopes

There are many types of stethoscopes on the market, each with its own unique features. Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Traditional stethoscopes: These stethoscopes have a long, thin tube that is placed against the chest piece. They are the most common type of stethoscope and are often used by medical professionals.

2. Electronic stethoscopes: These stethoscopes amplify sound and can be used to hear faint sounds. They are often used in critical care settings.

3. Fetal stethoscopes: These stethoscopes are specifically designed to listen to fetal heartbeats. They are often used by OB/GYNs and midwives.

4. Veterinary stethoscopes: These stethoscopes are designed for use on animals. They typically have a longer tube so that they can reach around the animal's body.

Accessories for a Stethoscope

When it comes to choosing the right stethoscope, there are a few things you need to take into account. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing a stethoscope, from determining which type is best for you to picking out the perfect accessories. When it comes to accessories for your stethoscope, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The first is the type of earpieces that you prefer. There are two main types of earpieces: those that go over the top of your ear and those that fit inside your ear canal. The former are more common, but some people find them more comfortable. If you wear glasses, you may also want to consider getting an accessory that helps keep them in place while you're using your stethoscope. Another important accessory is a chestpiece converter. This allows you to use your stethoscope with different size chestpieces. This is especially useful if you share your stethoscope with others or if you have multiple types of patients (e.g., infants, children, adults). Finally, consider getting a carrying case for your stethoscope. This will help protect it from damage and keep all of its parts together.

How to Maintain a Stethoscope

It is important to keep your stethoscope clean and well maintained in order to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips on how to do so:

-Wash the eartips with warm, soapy water after each use. You can also disassemble the earpieces and wash them separately.

-Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the rest of the stethoscope body as needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners as this can damage the finish.

-If you notice any parts of your stethoscope that are damaged or worn, replace them immediately. This includes things like cracked eartips, frayed tubing, and loose screws.

Stethoscope Outdoor Use

Medical Stethoscope, There is a certain feeling of excitement when you get your first stethoscope, and it can be hard to give it up when it is worn out. Whether it is your first stethoscope or your dozenth, they all need to be replaced eventually. Medical Stethoscope Outdoor Use

The start of a new year is a great time to replace all of the tools of your trade, including this one. The average lifespan of a well-cared for stethoscope is about two years, but with heavy use and abuse, that durability diminishes. Nurses of all skill levels and ranks will find that they need to replace their stethoscope much more often, sometimes within a year or less. There are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your stethoscope, and there are parts/kits available to make minor repairs. However, if you use your medical tools daily, you should consider replacement rather than repair. Keep an eye on the condition of your stethoscope and be ready to replace it if you don’t have a spare. Here are a few of the signs that you should replace your stethoscope sooner rather than later.

Worn Out Or Hardened Tubing For Medical Stethoscope

Like any tubing, the connecting pieces of your stethoscope will wear out over time. With heavy daily use, this tubing can become less flexible, hardened, or brittle. As soon as you notice a decrease in the flexibility of your tubing, it is time to start thinking about a replacement. Draping the stethoscope around your neck, Medical Stethoscope as many healthcare professionals do, exposes the tubing to almost constant friction against the back of the neck or shirt collar. As a result, body oils can break down the PVC tubing. If you leave your stethoscope out in the sun on a frequent or daily basis, perhaps by keeping it slung over the rearview mirror in your car, that solar exposure will break down the PVC tubing much more quickly.

Outdated Capabilities Of Medical Stethoscope

You might not be aware of all of the options and features you can get with today’s stethoscopes, especially if you haven’t bought a new one in quite a while. New single piece diaphragms combined with improved PVC tubing leads to improved acoustic capabilities in more recent models. This improved PVC tubing is also more resilient against oils and friction than its predecessors. Meanwhile, improvements to the ear pieces and diaphragm have also led to superior noise cancellation. That can be important if you are working in an environment with a lot of background noise, like nursing homes, ERs, and urgent care clinics.

Cracked Chest Piece

The diaphragm, also called the chestpiece, can become cracked or otherwise damaged. Even less obvious or hidden cracks can ruin a stethoscope completely. It is a good idea to have spares. You will know that the chest piece has cracked when the sound quality suddenly fails or deteriorates dramatically. Tears and cracks in the tubing are more common, but the diaphragm can also get cracked if it makes contact with hard surfaces.

Ready For A Change

While it is important for all healthcare professionals to have a functional stethoscope, Medical Assistants or healthcare professionals in training don’t necessarily need the fanciest model available. It pays to get a more affordable stethoscope when you first start out, but as your career advances, so should your stethoscope. You can celebrate the next stage of your career by getting a new stethoscope engraved with your name and new credentials, but there is no need to wait. If you see others in your department getting the latest stethoscope models, there is nothing wrong with jumping on board for a newer, fancier stethoscope.