[choken666]

I have a prob with my stethoscope, I bought the cheap one because I knew they are predominantely used in those government funded hospitals we got here in Australia and I figured if I could master the cheap and nasty then I'd be right. Here's my problem: I cannot hear through my stethescope! I've repositioned it, I even tried using another stethoscope to no avail. Because I'm a nursing student I was being assessed on this!

The suggestions why it wasn't working were as follows:
-my stethoscope is sick and i need a new one
-i got fluid in my ear, but my Dr doesnt think its enough to cause the prob
-it was noisy during the test
-i need more practise

Are there any others out there who have had a similar problem or are there any suggestions for me? I don't want to get a new steth if I'm going to have the same prob. I know my method is correct because I only passed due to the fact that I was doing everything right except hearing the bloody pule!

[NRSKarenRN]

Heart and lung sounds are a different hearing decible than normal conversation and everyday noise. Sometimes it's just a matter of practice.

Have you tried listening with a classmates scope (different brand) to see if able hear heartbeat and breath sounds? Did your instructor/classmate also try using yours?----this would help rule out defective equipment if they also can not hear sounds vs need purchase better quality scope.

If others can hear using your equipment, then scheduling a hearing examination with audiologist might be in your next interest to check your hearing. Results of that exam would guide you in determining need to purchase higher quality brand vs one designed for those with hearing loss.

[Hygeia79]

you need more practice with another stethoscope

[natania]

I had problems with my blood pressure practicum, too. We tested with a stethoscope that split into two headpieces so the CI could hear the same thing we did, and this reduced the sound by 50%!! Because I was so nervous about not being able to hear, my own blood pressure would rise and it seemed I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears. Ugh! That was the WORST practicum for me!

Anyway, keep practicing, and do it using the stethoscope you will be tested with.

[Faeriewand]

Here's what I did when I had a lot of trouble hearing through a cheap stethoscope.
I finally just went out and bought the cheapest Littman steth and have been very happy ever since.

Also, I used to not hear anything because my bell was turned around meaning my stethoscope was turned off! Took me a while to figure that one out!

[squeakykitty]

My stethescope problem was when I was using it to get a BP, the joints in my left hand creaked so much it was interfering with the sound. I could hear better if I used my right hand to hold the bell.

[TheCommuter]

I have a tip that might help you achieve better sounds from your cheap stethoscope. Since some stethoscopes are long, the excess length of the rubber tube may muffle the purity of the sound. I took the cheap stethoscope that was issued to me by my former school, removed the entire diaphragm piece from the bottom, and cut the tube about 4 to 6 inches (10 centimeters) from the bottom. After cutting the stethoscope, I reattached the diaphragm piece to the bottom of the shortened tube. Since the tube is shortened, I am now able to hear sounds out of this cheap stethoscope.

[choken666]

Awesome! I've had the creaking knuckles, the elevated blood pressure, the bell problem, I think the suggestion by The Computer in shortening the length of the tubing is an excellent suggestion. I will invest in a better one with better quality tubing and I will practise practise practise!

Thanks people