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Most hospitals require nurses to have their own stethoscopes. It’s one of the most frequently used medical devices in the hospital. It is very critical especially for paramedics and EMTs, as it is one of the tools that could spell the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Stethoscopes are tools that are used so many times, this means a chance of experiencing wear and tear. For this reason it’s best if you invest in a stethoscope that lasts. For it to last of course then it must be made of good quality materials, it also means you must take good care of it.
As mentioned earlier, stethoscopes are important tools for doctors, nurses and paramedics, but not just any stethoscope will do, it has to be a good stethoscope. Also for specialized areas of medicine, like pediatrics, a physician needs the best neonatal stethoscope to function properly.
Benefits of Investing in a good Stethoscope
Here are some of the benefits of investing in a good stethoscope
Convenience
Stethoscopes serves as the extension of your senses when doing assessments. It is important to have a stethoscope that is convenient to use, especially in the heat of an emergency.
Only a good stethoscope can grant you the kind of convenience you want on the job. A poorly made stethoscope would only frustrate your efforts
Quality
Why buy a cheap stethoscope if you can’t rely on it during actual emergencies? A quality stethoscope can last a lifetime so it’s definitely worth the price. Plus, you might not be able to do proper auscultation if your stethoscope can’t give you decent sound quality.
Comfort
Have you ever used a low-quality stethoscope that is not yours? I bet it hurts your ears! By getting your own quality stethoscope, you can ensure that it fits you well. Low-quality stethoscopes usually have defects that may cause discomforts in the long run.
What You Should Look For When Buying Stethoscopes
In examining a stethoscope, you must ensure that the parts are made from high quality materials. There are so many stethoscopes in the market, so picking out one could be challenging.
Not to worry, I am here to help you make the best possible choice. Consider the factors I will list out below before you buy your stethoscope.
Ear Piece
The ear piece of a stethoscope should feel soft and fit perfectly into the ear canal. It should also be properly angled to ensure crisp sound playback.
Chest Piece/Head
The chest piece should be made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is a good conductor of sound and highly durable so air leak will be prevented. Chest pieces made from aluminum and zinc alloy are also great but stainless steel tops them for the sound quality amplified.
Tube
The tube is responsible for sound transmission and elimination of external noises. It should be made from thick material like polyvinylchloride. It should be crack-resistant and can be conveniently folded without kinking or breaking.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm should be made from a high-quality flexible material like resin and PE compound film. It should be air-sealed to ensure that the amplified sound is clear. If possible, having a non-chill rim within the diaphragm will be helpful especially for pediatric patients.
Best Neonatal Stethoscope
In the course of this article, I will be taking you through a list of the best neonatal stethoscope you can find in the market. They vary in quality and price, but will do you a world of good when you are on the job.
Keep reading!
3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope
3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope has tunable diaphragms which makes it a good choice for both pediatric and adult patients. It features a two-sided chestpiece, too.
Compared with most stethoscopes, this one has a more durable tubing. It can resist skin oils and alcohol which means it’s less likely to wear off easily. It’s not prone to picking up stains as well.
Pros
- Fantastic sound quality
- Resists skin oil and alcohol
- Comfortable in the ears
Cons
- Feels heavy
- Length is a bit short
3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope
The 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope also features a tunable diaphragm which is capable of capturing both low and high-frequency sounds. It has a teardrop shape, making it easy to fit under your blood pressure cuff.
Its earpieces, on the other hand, are angled to ensure a proper fit into the ear canal. This ensures that you get to hear sounds as accurately as possible.
Another impressive thing about this stethoscope is that it has a non-chill rim. It’s great for keeping patients comfortable during assessments.
Pros
- Convenient diaphragm shape
- Earbuds are angled
- Easy today clean
- Not bulky
Cons
- May not be the best for listening to cardiac sounds
- Tube tends to be a bit flimsy
- Not long enough
White Coat Dual Head Stethoscope
White Coat Dual Head Stethoscope is a great choice for healthcare professionals and first responders. It’s made from high-quality material which ensures not just durability but accuracy, too. It’s manufactured with thick walled tubing to make hearing clearer. Its chest piece, on the other hand, is made from stainless steel to help pick up even the faintest sounds during an assessment. It’s great for hearing both heart and lung sounds.
Pros
- Comes with a carrying case and penlight
- Lightweight
- Good quality
Cons
- Not cheap
3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope
If you work in a unit that specifically manages patients with heart problems, this 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope is definitely something you should buy. It has a tunable diaphragm which can let you hear a variety of frequencies just by adjusting the pressure on its chestpiece. You won’t have to turn it over or reposition it.
This stethoscope isn’t made with rubber latex which is good news for those who have sensitive skin. It doesn’t contain phthalate plasticizers, too.
Pros
- Sounds are clear
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Has a tunable diaphragm
- Doesn’t contain phthalate plasticizers
Cons
- Expensive
ERKA Finesse 2 Stethoscope
If you are looking for a stethoscope that’s reasonably priced and has excellent quality, go with ERKA Finesse 2 Stethoscope. It features a switchable chest piece which makes it great for infants, children, and adult patients. It has a unique design to ensure great resonance and sound transmission.
The stethoscope has a dual channel tubing and ergonomic ear tips to make sure that no background noises can distract you. It comes in five colors to match your uniform.
Apart from the great design, you’ll also love the case it comes with. It can help keep your stethoscope in great shape when not in use.
Pros
- Has a switchable chest piece
- Includes a carrying case
- Has ergonomic ear tips
- Washable
- Dermatologically safe
Cons
- It is not the best in acoustics
Frequently Asked Questions
I guess you’ll have some questions regarding neonatal stethoscopes. The most commonly asked questions I’ve come across regarding this topic includes –
What Is The Best Neonatal Stethoscope?
The 3M Littman Classic iii is widely regarded as the best stethoscope in the market. This is of course just popular opinion, it doesn’t necessarily mean it would be the best for you. You needs and expectations are what will determine which stethoscope is best for you.
However, if you’re confused with which stethoscope to buy, just go through the stethoscopes I mentioned in this review and take your pick, according to your needs and budget of course.
How much does a good stethoscope cost?
There are many good stethoscopes out there and they cost differently. Prices differ based on quality, type of materials used in production, and of course brand name. Generally, a good stethoscope would cost between $100 to $500 dollars. Others may cost a lot more!
Draw up a budget before you buy and go for one that fits the cash you have at your disposal.
What Is The Best Stethoscope For Noisy Areas?
The 3M Littman Stethoscope series are very popular for their excellent acoustics. They are trusted by doctors, nurses and paramedics around the world to deliver crystal clear sounds even in very noisy environments.
Imagine an accident scene with all the people screaming, chattering and sirens blowing – the 3M Littman Stethoscope holds up well in such conditions. It’s a good choice for noisy situations.
How Do I Clean My Stethoscope?
It is very important to keep your stethoscope clean, especially the earpieces, since they make direct contact with your inner ear. The tube can also be stained in a patient’s blood and that has to be cleaned off as well.
To clean your stethoscope, you can take a clean, white piece of cloth and dip in warm water or alcohol solution and gently wipe around your stethoscope. Make sure you get every area from the tubing, up to the earpieces. If need be, detach the eartips and clean them separately.
Best Neonatal Stethoscope Conclusion
So, hope the information I provided in this best neonatal stethoscope has been of great help. The products recommended above are of great quality and they will serve you well.
If you have any recommendation in mind that didn’t appear on this list, then kindly go to the comment section and drop them off.
Thanks and good luck!