Best Stethoscopes – 2022 Review Guide

If you are in the market for a good stethoscope, you will probably agree with this statement:

Sorting through all of the stethoscope options out there can make selecting the best stethoscope a challenging process when you are trying to get the best value for your money.

With all of the stethoscope brands on the market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with the idea of finding the right stethoscope for your needs. Fortunately, there is a simpler way to choose a stethoscope with an understanding of the various features that are found in stethoscopes and the range of price points. With luck, this article will help you find the best stethoscope for you – no matter what the job is.

Best Stethoscopes – 2022

Is it worth spending money on a nice stethoscope or will a cheap one be good enough? Is the acoustic quality really different from the best stethoscopes to the worst ones? Read on to learn what features differentiate the various stethoscope brands out there and to see which stethoscopes met the criteria to be listed in this article as one of the best stethoscopes on the market today.

1. ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology – Editor’s Choice

The ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology stethoscope is the main rival to the higher end Littman stethoscopes and offers a good value, great acoustical performance, and an outstanding warranty – all in one package.

The ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology stethoscope chestpiece is machined from surgical stainless steel to fine-tune the performance characteristics. The combination of a dual channel, bi-lumen headset and the anodized alumnium binaurals enhance the transmission of sounds of all frequencies. With the application of these features, the acoustic performance is excellent. The tensioning spring improves headset recoil, even after thousands of uses, and the included silicone eartips provide a comfortable listening experience while using this stethoscope.

The ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology Stethoscope comes in nine colors and three metal finishes (stainless, titanium gold plating and tactical) to let you personalize your stethoscope and stand out from the crowd. It also comes with accessories such as an ID tag you can personalize and attach to your stethoscope and additional Adsoft Plus eartips.

One feature that appeals to some owners of this stethoscope is that it is the limited lifetime warranty. Should your stethoscope need significant service, the company will refurbish it for you without charge. Multiple reports are that the service is great which is one reason people chose the ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology stethoscope over a Littman. Additionally, through the warranty, owners of the ADC Adscope 600 can get a lifetime supply of eartips and diaphragms. Some people also like that the stethoscope is assembled and tested in the USA.

Given the larger diameter lumen, the ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology stethoscope can feel a bit heavy and thick at times when slung over the neck. Also, some might find the tubing to be too short when carrying it over the neck, leading to it slipping off. Also, when used heavily, some might notice some issues with the eartips wearing out which is not a significant issue as you can get replacement ones from the company.

2. MDF Acoustica Deluxe Lightweight – Best Stethoscope for Nurses

The MDF Acoustica Deluxe Lightweight Dual Head Stethoscope is a good value option. Sporting a lifetime warranty and free parts for life, this stethoscope is made from lightweight aluminum and polished for added durability. Many models (including this one) include extra pairs of eartips with the initial purchase.

The MDF Acoustica Deluxe Lightweight stethoscope features user-friendly features such an indicator dot that enables proper channel alignment while utilizing the fully-rotating stem. The bell is large and provides adequate amplification of low frequency sounds.

The MDF Acoustica Deluxe Lightweight stethoscope tubing is made of dense, latex-free PVC which prevents cracking while allowing good sound transmission. The eartips are made of silicone and clean relatively easily. An ID tag accompanies the stethoscope to prevent mixups.

This stethoscope is a good value for use on relatively simple patients. Sounds during basic heart, lung and abdominal exams come through clearly and this stethoscope does a good job for people who need an everyday stethoscope for generally non-urgent settings.

As one might expect, the good price point of the MDF Acoustica Deluxe Lightweight stethoscope comes with a tradeoff – lower acoustic quality. While the stethoscope generally performs well in regards to louder noises, subtle noises are much harder to appreciate. Some might even argue that, in these situations, the quality is comparable to a very low end disposable stethoscope.

3. 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV – Best for Doctors

A newer, yet highly-regarded, stethoscope line, the 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV is an excellent choice for a stethoscope. Aspiring doctors pay heed as this is a stethoscope that will provide excellent acoustics and durability and, depending on how you care for it, may be the only stethoscope you will need throughout your career. Doctors aside, this stethoscope is a great choice for professionals like cardiac nurses or anyone who wants an all-purpose, quality stethoscope.

The 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV is usually made in either Germany or the US. In contrast to the Littman Master Cardiology stethoscope which only has a single diaphragm, the 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV has two diaphragms to enable capture of both high frequency (more pressure) and low frequency (less pressure) sounds. With great acoustic quality, this stethoscope design is suitable for both adult and pediatric patients who benefit from the bell. The acoustic quality of this stethoscope is definitely an upgrade from the Littman III.

The 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV has dual-lumen tubing which minimizes any extraneous noise from the tubes rubbing against one another. The ear tubes themselves are well-angled to create an appropriate angle for comfortable listening and can be easily adjusted to meet different head shapes and ear canal angles. In contrast to the hard, uncomfortable eartips found in some other brands, the eartips on the Littman 6152 Cardiology IV are soft, comfortable and durable. They also fit snugly into the ears which helps eliminate background noises for better capture of subtle sounds.

The 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV is highly durable and the quality stands the test of time. Several of the doctors who have used it daily for long periods of time state that there were no cracks or damage to the tubing. This was in spite of bending and twisting it regularly, jamming it into their pockets and lockers, and hanging it over their shoulders many times every day. Granted, the eartips and the diaphragm cover do need to be every once in a while but that is often more for cosmetic purposes than real wear and tear. One of the secret behind the 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV’s durability is the outer tubing material which is resistant to fluids and easily cleanable. The tubing itself feels solid and bends with an appreciable structural resiliency. The 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV also comes in a wide range of color options, allowing you to express yourself even while catching the long tail of bodily noises.

The 3M Littman 6152 Cardiology IV does come with a heftier price tag which will turn some people off. Also, because this stethoscope offers advanced functionality, it will require some time to master using it. If you need a basic stethoscope, this may not be the one for you but aspiring doctors will want to take a good look at this stethoscope as one that will last for some time.

4. 3M Littman Master Cardiology Stethoscope – Best for Cardiologists

The 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope is the pinnacle of Littman’s mechanical stethoscope product line. Offering exceptional acoustic quality, this stethoscope features a dual-lumen tubing one would expect from a high-end Littmann product. 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope has a handcrafted chestpiece made of stainless steel and 3M’s unique tunable diaphragm, delivering great performance across all ranges of noise frequencies with simply changes in pressure. The 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope’s headset is angled for maximum comfort and convenience.

Practically, the 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope cleans easily and does not absorb stains. Made with high-quality tubing, this stethoscope can be jammed into a pocket snugly and yet unpack resiliently time and time again. Latex free, this stethoscope is made in the USA.

The major downside of the 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope is the cost. It is expensive as it is the top of the Littman line but you do get what you pay for if you master its use. Additionally, there is a significant learning curve when working through the different pressures required to hear all sound frequencies but, after some time and practice, it gets much easier.

5. 3M Littman Lightweight II SE – Best Veterinary Stethoscope

The 3M Littman Lightweight II SE is another nice stethoscope brought to the market from the quality 3M Littman line. While it does not compare in acoustic quality and performance to some of the other Littman models, it is a value choice for people who want a decent stethoscope without breaking the bank. Designed for adult patients, the 3M Littman Lightweight II SE is focused around practitioners who do limited evaluations of patients such as vital signs.

The 3M Littman Lightweight II SE features a tunable diaphragm like advanced Littman models but only features a single lumen tube. The chestpiece is double-sided and made from a composite material of metal and resin.

The 3M Littman Lightweight II SE is also a choice to consider for veterinary medicine. While dedicated veterinary stethoscopes do exist, this particular Littman stethoscope model offers a nice balance of Littman construction and value to serve most standard veterinary needs.

The 3M Littman Lightweight II SE is not as durable as some of the more advanced stethoscopes out there. With heavy use, the plastic parts can crack and break. Additionally, it only comes with a two year warranty which, if actively used, will likely require you to buy a new one after the warranty expires given the durability concerns.

6. Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope – Lowest Price

The Omron Sprague Rappaport stethoscope is a very inexpensive choice for someone who is looking for a stethoscope that actually works. At 0.6 pounds, the Omron Sprague Rappaport stethoscope features a chrome chestpiece with three sizes of bells and two sizes of diaphragms. Made from latex-free tubing, this stethoscope has decent durability. As one might expect at this price point, the Omron Sprague Rappaport stethoscope comes nowhere close to the quality of some of the Littman and other higher end stethoscopes but it is not bad.

One interesting use for the Omron Sprague Rappaport stethoscope is for non-medical uses. Are there situations at home when you want a device to amplify a quiet noise? Do you want a stethoscope to give to someone so they can have real practice using one? If yes, then definitely consider this stethoscope for that purpose.

Unfortunately, the price point of the Omron Sprague Rappaport stethoscopes comes with a variety of performance tradeoffs. For one, the acoustics on this stethoscope are quite poor if you are trying to do anything other than listening for basic heart or lung sounds. The earpieces will lose anatomic shape with repeated use and, generally speaking, the stethoscope is not very comfortable.

7. Littman Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope – Top Pediatric Stethoscope

The 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope comes from the Littmann and has been crafted for specific use by pediatric practitioners. For anyone who has dedicated themselves to smaller patients, having a larger stethoscope with an adult-sized diaphragm is simply unnecessary. If necessary, it can also be used on adults even though it’s not officially meant to do so. Like other Littmann stethoscopes, the tunable diaphragm is floating and features an open bell.

The 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope delivers excellent acoustic quality in pediatric patients for sounds of all frequencies. Like most higher end Littmann stethoscopes, the 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope features comfortable, soft eartips that provide a good listening experience as well as resilient, durable, flexible tubing that resists stains and unwanted fluids. To appeal to engaging smaller patients, the 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope also comes in a variety of colors to make the patient encounter more fun. The size of the stethoscope works on pediatric patients of all sizes, from neonates to children.

Infrequently, people seem to have more issues with the 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope not working as expected, particularly on the smallest of patients. While no definitive quality issues have been reported, it is something that we will continue to monitor.

8. Bojing Multifunctional Type Stethoscope – All-Purpose Value

The Bojing Multifunctional Stethoscope is a low cost stethoscope option that features above average quality and functionality. Lightweight and durable, the Bojing Multifunctional Stethoscope, as the name suggests, is a good choice for a variety of different purposes.

The Bojing Multifunctional Stethoscope features a tunable diaphragm that helps discern sounds of all frequencies. The flat part of the diaphragm is better for hearing high frequencies while the bell can be used for lower frequencies. The headset is angled for listening comfort.

Use of the Bojing Multifunctional Stethoscope is similar to most other types of stethoscope. The diaphragm rotates 180 degrees and its position can be verified by tapping the diaphragm and listening for a sound. Recommended maintenance for the Bojing Multifunctional Stethoscope is not significant although it does include keeping it dry and clean and wiping it off with alcohol from time to time.

The Bojing Multifunctional Stethoscope is well-priced given its functionality. Because of this, some people might also find it useful as a first stethoscope for anyone who wants to learn how the mechanics of how a stethoscope works or for a child interested in medicine. Other people might find it useful for other uses such as veterinary uses, for home projects that require enhanced acoustics, or even as an addition to a survival pack.

The earpieces on the Bojing Multifunctional Stethoscope could use a comfort upgrade. Additionally, for anyone needing advanced stethoscope acoustics for healthcare use, one of the higher end stethoscopes would be a better choice.

9. 3M Littman Classic II S.E. – Best Teaching Stethoscope

For the educator who wants to perpetuate the fine art of the stethoscope exam – whether it is related to cardiac auscultation or something else – the 3M Littman Classic II S.E. Teaching Stethoscope is for you. Enabled for two listeners, the 3M Littmann Master Classic II Teaching Stethoscope enhances the listening experience to deliver high performance and comfort while on teaching rounds.

Featuring two headsets, the 3M Littmann Master Classic II Teaching Stethoscope is well-designed, resulting in a durable stethoscope that stands up to typical Littman quality. With a solid three-year warranty, the 3M Littman Classic II S.E. Teaching Stethoscope features a two-sided chestpiece complete with a tunable diaphragm designed to enhance those deeper sounds and a non-chill rim. Like other Littman stethoscopes, the headset is angled to fit anatomically and improve the listening experience. The latex-free tubing delivers a sensitive acoustic performance.

As one might expect, unless it is what a clinician does all day, handling a two-headed stethoscope is cumbersome and, in the worst of situations, just plain hard. While Littman has tried to make the design somewhat compact, it is still a somewhat awkward listening experience. And while this teaching stethoscope does have adequate length, two heads listening to one diaphragm can lead to the inevitable invasion of personal space during a teaching experience. Nonetheless, the teaching stethoscope does have its place in the world, and the 3M Littman Classic II Teaching Stethoscope is one to check out.

Best Stethoscopes – Nuts & Bolts

Reviews aside, it is important to know what a stethoscope is, its various parts, and how it works. A stethoscope is a medical device that enables the listener to hear different sounds within a body. Medically referred to auscultation, the listening process that utilizes a stethoscope applies to both humans and to our pets or other animals.

If you have ever seen medical personnel (likely), then you are probably familiar with what a stethoscope looks like as it is commonly associated with the field practice of medicine. The stethoscope consists of two earpieces attached to separate tubes that join together to form a larger common tube. The larger common tube extends for a bit and ends in a circular metal piece known as a resonator. The resonator typically has two sides – the bell and the diaphragm although some stethoscopes only have one side.

The diaphragm of a stethoscope is typically a plastic disc held in place by an elastic seal and is the part of the stethoscope most often used for listening to noises in the body. The diaphragm is gently (but firmly) placed on a body and vibrates when it detects noises. The pressure from the acoustic vibrations then travel up the tubes and can be heard through the earpieces. The diaphragm is useful for hearing commonly heard sounds as well as high-frequency noises. Some stethoscopes have something called a tunable diaphragm – an invention by the company 3M. In a tunable diaphragm, one can hear both low frequency and high frequency sounds through the same part of the diaphragm by simply pressing down with slightly more pressure on the patient. Typically, the larger diaphragm is used for normal adult patients. The smaller diaphragm, when present, is useful for pediatric patients or for listening to sounds in tight places.

The bell of the stethoscope is a hollow cup that is usually lined with an elastic material. The bell is useful for hearing sounds of a lower frequency. The bell works by detecting vibrations directly and transmitting those sounds to the earpieces. Some bells are capped by a diaphragm while others are always open. In most cases, when a diaphragm is present on a bell, it can be easily removed by taking off the rim (bell sleeve).

The diaphragm and the bell of the stethoscope are part of the chestpiece. The chestpiece is the round end of the stethoscope that touches the patient in various places in an attempt to hear the actual sounds. High-quality chestpieces in the best stethoscopes are typically made from stainless steel or similar materials. On some stethoscopes, the chestpiece can be rotated to alternate between using the diaphragm and using the bell to listen to sounds. The chestpiece is connected by the stem that attaches it to the rest of the stethoscope through the tubing.

The tubing is the longest part of the stethoscope and frequently subject to cracks and breakdown. Additionally, tubing will frequently rub against undesirable things during the course of duty. The best stethoscopes typically feature latex-free tubing with coatings that resist dirt, alcohol and oils to prevent cracking. Some top stethoscopes also feature two sounds paths (“double lumen” tubing) to minimize extraneous noises like rubbing. The tubing connects the chestpiece to the headset and the eartubes of the stethoscope.

Stethoscopes have two eartubes to listen to sounds. The eartubes on most stethoscopes are angled anatomically so that the eartips slide naturally into your ears. The best stethoscopes tend to have alloy eartubes to provide strength with tension that lasts with repeated use. Most top quality stethoscopes also feature soft, sealing eartips which are in sharp contrast to the hard, uncomfortable eartips often found on disposable stethoscopes. Eartips should block ambient sounds and the ones featured on the best stethoscopes do that.

How To Choose A Stethoscope

Knowing the basics of how a stethoscope works naturally leads to the question of how to choose a stethoscope that is right for you. Here are some things to think about to make a good decision to find the right stethoscope for you.

How important is comfort?
Most people would answer very important to this question. However, as one might expect, more comfort, in most cases, comes with a higher price point. If you only will need a stethoscope for very limited uses, it could be acceptable to get a stethoscope that may not be at the extreme of comfort but is much lower in price.

What level of acoustic performance do you need?
Different professions require different levels of acoustic performance (i.e. sound quality) and considering the needs of your specific profession when choosing a stethoscope is a must. If you are on the edge of advanced cardiac specialties like a cardiologist, you will need to be able to hear every sound discernible when you apply your stethoscope to a patient. If you are someone working in a setting with lots of background noises like an EMT, hearing subtle sounds may be impossible no matter the quality of the stethoscope.

How likely are you to lose it?
Certain healthcare settings inevitably make one more prone to lose a stethoscope than others. For example, if you work out of an ambulance, the action associated with loading a patient in distress into the vehicle is much more likely to cause a stethoscope to fall off of you when compared to working in a calm, elective surgery center. If you are in a setting that makes losing your stethoscope likelier (or you are one of those people who loses stuff more frequently in general), you might consider getting a stethoscope that is a little cheaper with above average acoustical performance.

How much are you willing to spend?
Stethoscopes come in a wide range of price points and quality. If money is no object or you are willing to spend money for the best stethoscope as an investment, then one of the advanced Littman models is a good choice. If you are on a tighter budget, then one of the mid-tier options will probably fit your needs better.

How long will you need it for?
If you plan to use your stethoscope for your whole career as a healthcare provider, buying a top-quality stethoscope early on should provide an exceptional return on your investment as you progress through your career (assuming that you don’t lose it). If you are looking for a stethoscope to help you diagnose where the noises from a pipe behind one of the walls in your house are coming from, buying a Littman stethoscope is not a good choice!

Is brand important to you?
While most people think of stethoscopes as purely functional, there is something to be said about slinging a fine stethoscope over your shoulders to look the part of the medical practitioner. Traditionally, Littman stethoscopes have been considered the premium brand given their long history and technological innovations that 3M has made on the brand since taking over the company.

Best Stethoscopes By Profession

The type of health profession you are training for and your level of training matter when choosing the right stethoscope for you. Let’s go through some different professions and the stethoscopes that might be a good fit. Please not that if you want the best stethoscope regardless of the perils of a particular position or the cost, we would recommend getting the Littman 6152 Cardiology IV.

Best stethoscope for an EMT
EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) are practitioners who spend most of their time in the field resuscitating patients with critical needs. Specifically, time is often spent on the street, in a home, or in the ambulance where lots of distractions and background noises are present. Also, the EMT often works in an uncontrolled, chaotic situation, leading to the possibility of losing one’s treasured stethoscope in the midst of it. Finally, the EMT’s job is focused on stabilizing the acute needs of the patient and getting the patient to where they need to go for advanced care in contrast to making subtle diagnoses in the field.

And so, the EMT should focus on getting a stethoscope of adequate to good quality that is not expensive. The EMT should be able to hear important heart and lung sounds, for example, but not be out of cash if the stethoscope gets lost on the way. For the EMT, a good stethoscope choice is the 3M Littman Lightweight II SE or the all-around ADC Adscope 600.

Best stethoscope for a nurse
A registered nurse provides all kinds of medical care, ranging from basic medical assistance to advanced resuscitations as part of a code team. In general, most nurses need a stethoscope that performs well and is a good value, especially because stethoscopes often get misplaced in a patient’s room or bed or at the nurse’s station. However, one type of stethoscope is not the right way to think about the best choice of a stethoscope for a nurse given the differences in the job requirements for specific nursing specialties.

Best stethoscope – general nurse
For general purpose use, a nurse will not need a stethoscope that can discern basic and some advanced sounds and is not too heavy. After all, lugging a heavy stethoscope from room to room will get old very quickly. Given the bang for the buck, many nurses in general practice will do well choosing the MDF Acoustica Lightweight.

Best stethoscope – cardiac nurse
The cardiac nurse is on the front line of advanced cardiac patients and, in most cases, has demanding requirements as far as being able to hear the most subtle of heart sounds. Since most of the job is done within a small physical space in the hospital (the Cardiac ICU or step down), a lightweight option is important but not essential. Given these requirements, the best stethoscope for a cardiac nurse is typically a 3M Littman Cardiology IV.

Best stethoscope – ICU nurse
Just like cardiac nurses, an ICU nurse is also on the front line although the types of patients managed by an ICU nurse have more diverse medical conditions that are not always related to subtle cardiac abnormalities. The ICU nurse, depending on the hospital, may also deal with a higher frequency of chaotic situations such as codes and bedside procedures, leading to a higher likelihood of misplacing the stethoscope. With these things in mind, the best stethoscope for an ICU nurse is often the MDF Acoustica Lightweight.

Best stethoscope – pediatric nurse
Pediatric nurses need a reliable stethoscope that has features targeted to smaller patients. Combining a smaller diaphragm, quality acoustics and various colors to make the physical exam fun for kids, the best stethoscope for pediatric patients is usually the Littman Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope.

Best stethoscope for a medical student
The best stethoscope for a medical student does depend on what type of specialty the medical student will be pursuing. Some medical students know that they want to pursue a surgical specialty in a private office and that all pre-op medical clearances will be done by an affiliated primary care doctor. In contrast, other medical students are set on careers in specialties like Internal Medicine or a subspecialty and will require advanced use of a stethoscope for years to come (even if advanced technology is used in conjunction with the physical exam).

For medical students who are going into specialties that will not require much use of the stethoscope, consider getting the MDF Acoustica Lightweight to get a good listening experience at a reasonable price. On the other hand, for medical students who want to understand the ins and outs of the acoustic experience and want a quality stethoscope that may last them for many years, the Littman 6152 is a good choice.

Best stethoscope for a doctor
Most doctors need to have a stethoscope that can capture subtle sounds to identify life-threatening heart murmurs and pulmonary findings. While some surgeons in surgical specialities (e.g. orthopedics) may dispute this idea, even they should not shortchange themselves by selecting a stethoscope that will provide them great quality at, all things considered, a reasonable price over the long term. For doctors, a solid stethoscope choice is the Littman 6152 Cardiology IV – a great stethoscope that will last for many years and provide a high-quality acoustic experience.

Best stethoscope for a cardiologist
Let’s take it a step further. You know you are going to be a cardiologist (or you are one already) and you are looking for the best cardiology stethoscope on the market. If that is you, then the view of this article is that the Littman Master Cardiology stethoscope is, without much debate, the stethoscope for you. Hailing from the storied line of Littman stethoscopes and featuring unrivaled acoustic quality, this cardiology stethoscope will not slow you down as you master your understanding of the heart and the marvelous sounds that it makes.

Let’s take it a step further. You know you are going to be a cardiologist (or you are one already) and you are looking for the best cardiology stethoscope on the market. If that is you, then the view of this article is that the Littman Master Cardiology stethoscope is, without much debate, the stethoscope for you. Hailing from the storied line of Littman stethoscopes and featuring unrivaled acoustic quality, this cardiology stethoscope will not slow you down as you master your understanding of the heart and the marvelous sounds that it makes.

Best veterinary stethoscope
Like in humans, stethoscopes have a wide range of applications in veterinary medicine. While a handful of veterinary stethoscopes are on the market, many of them are almost indistinguishable in construction from stethoscopes used on humans. If you are looking for one of the best stethoscopes for veterinarians, check out the Littman Lightweight II SE

As you can surmise from these recommendations, there really is not a difference in stethoscopes whether you are a doctor, nurse, EMT or a veterinarian. Instead, the quality of the stethoscopes are what make the difference, and different professions find themselves more likely to use specific types of stethoscopes based on the needs of their profession and the value vs. performance requirements of that profession.

The History of Quality Stethoscopes

The first version of the modern stethoscope consisted of a long wooden tube with an opening on one end for one year. Created in France in the early 1800s, the first stethoscope was a rigid device that did not bend. The term stethoscope (“chest scope”) was coined later and, by the 1840s, a flexible stethoscope was in use. The two-sided stethoscope really came into play in the 1940s until David Littman (of Littman Cardiology fame) developed a new model in the 1960s that formed the basis of modern stethoscope design.

Quality Stethoscopes – Relevant or Obsolete?

With the advancement of diagnostic imaging, many people wonder if the stethoscope (and possibly the physical exam in general) is going the way of antiques. In the old days, medical practitioners would have time to spend interviewing the patient, slowly performing a physical exam, and reflecting on possible diagnoses after the encounter. As part of the physical exam, the stethoscope would be gently laid on the patient’s body and form a special doctor-patient bond.

Now, clinical practitioners are often forced to rush from patient to patient, especially in places like the United States where insurance payments are going down and one has to see more patients just to keep the same level of income and livelihood. And, with the availability of new technologies like ultrasound, using a stethoscope to form a diagnosis and building a bond with the patient may seem like a waste of time.

Also, there is no question that in a head-to-head diagnostic comparison with modern technologies like ultrasound that ultrasound will prove to be more accurate. However, having the accuracy of ultrasound means, for one thing, that ultrasound is available. If the portable machine is busted or the radiologist is unavailable, it is vital that a clinician have the capability to make a quick evaluation of important internal organs (even imperfectly). Additionally, many medical settings such as volunteer camps in foreign countries have no access to imaging at all and having the ability to wield a stethoscope effectively is vital.

Best Stethoscopes – Summary Points

We hope that you found this overview of the best stethoscopes informative and entertaining. Whether you choose to make stethoscopes a big part of your clinical arsenal or not, it is valuable to know the basics to help you as you progress on your career.