Stethoscope: An Essential Tool for Healthcare Providers

A medical device utilized by physicians and healthcare providers everywhere is the stethoscope. This device allows the user to listen to sounds inside one's body. This instrument can be used on animals or humans. It can transmit heart sounds, lung sounds, and sounds from the intestines or even blood flow. There are different types of stethoscopes that are designed for special uses.

An acoustic stethoscope is the traditional type that everyone thinks of when the word is spoken. The sound is transmitted from a chest piece (bell or diaphragm) at the end of the instrument. This sound travels up hollow tubes into the listener's ears. A major issue with this type is that it can be extremely difficult to hear sounds. They will sound very low.

Another type of stethoscope is the electronic type. Also called the stethophone, it makes the sounds louder electronically. This device is wireless so it can go anywhere. A great feature is that it can record the sounds too. The device can diminish noise around it so it is easier to hear the sounds.

Introduced in 2001 was a software program that can enable the data from the stethoscope being printed hard copy. This is a valuable asset to the physician. The doctor can print off cardio or pulmonary sounds that are being transmitted. This option can only assist the healthcare provider in remote locations.

A stethoscope used for women who are pregnant is called the fetoscope. The fetoscope is put against the woman's stomach and the physician can hear the cardio sounds of the fetus.

The physician has many different types of stethoscopes to utilize for their healthcare practice. The acoustic stethoscope is one that most practitioners utilize. The electronic stethoscope is a great addition to this type of device because it can actually record and print data for the user. Plus the electronic version is wonderful if a doctor is in the field and in a remote area. The fetal stethoscope is valuable for hearing the fetal heartbeat. A stethoscope of any type is very valuable to the practitioner.