Electronic Stethoscope.. worth the $?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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I am looking into buying a more sensitive stethoscope and I was looking at buying the 3M littmann electronic stethoscope. Is it really worth the $300+ price tag or should I just go with the standard double tube? any suggestions or new options out there?

Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

What area do you work in? I have both the Classic II and the cardiac III. I like the cardiac one (I got it for free-a resident left it because the drum broke-I ordered the parts for less than $40). I don't need anything worth that $$$ I'd lose it.

Are you hard of hearing? I know of clinicians who are hard of hearing and use electronic stethoscopes. This might be a good question to ask someone hard of hearing.

My mom is hard of hearing and tried to use the electronic stethoscope (I'm sorry, I cannot remember the brand). She found that the Littmann Cardiology III was just as helpful as the electronic stethoscope. But I believe the choice in stethoscope is very personally. See if a local uniform shop has one in stock to try out. If they don't ask them to order it for customers, you never know unless you ask!

unless you have a hearing def., the electronic is probably not worth the money. if you have a hearing def, it is tax deductible, off the top, not as a work expense, of course check with your tax preparer

Thank you, I will go and try them out. I don't have any hearing deficit but I do feel like I can't hear well with my current stethoscope, its a light weight littmann cardiology type.

I tried out a couple of these.

The fancy expensive littmann electronic amplified a little too good! I heard every ambient noise in the room! It was annoying to me! It would be great if you have a hearing problem though.

I tried an older less fancy version as well. It was much better as it amplified but had much less ambient noise. I tried to buy one for myself, but they don't make that particular model anymore.

I use a littmann cardiology stethoscope and it does just fine. Try it out!

WAIIIIIT! I was just asking a nurse on the unit that has one what he thinks. The nice thing amongst being able to record sounds is that you can hear very well, even through clothing (I sampled it myself) He said don't get it because if you drop it, its done. He said he's known a few doctors that had it and they broke easily. The Litman master cardiology one he said is equally as good and cheaper and more durable (just ordered mine a couple days ago :D )

I have a Littmann Master Classic II. I got it nearly 8 years ago in nursing school (holy crap...wow). It worked perfectly in nursing school, and as an assistant (PCA/NA) when I had to take manual BPs (I was in the float pool, not all of our inpatient units had electronic machines, plus if the machines were all in use it was nice to be able to use the manual cuff). My Littmann got me through a year of med/surg/tele with patients from stepdown (ICU acuity except extubated) to walkie talkie acuity. It's sitting in it's box, in my closet, collecting dust now (I work in the OR). When I need a stethescope now, I just borrow from others, and/or use the disposable ones. I so rarely have to listen to heart/lung or bowel sounds...I so rarely have a need to assess my patients in that manner. It's almost always just when I am responsible for monitoring the patient myself (no anesthesia staff - CRNA or resident) involved (we do those cases from time to time).

Maybe see if there are coworkers with other types/models you can convince to let you try and/or see if stores have them in stock or can order them to try?

Yes. Yes. YES. YES. Best money I ever spent. I could hear all lung sounds clear as day in both inpatient and field (transport) environments. I can't go back to the old way. Worth every dime but BE VERY CAREFUL OR IT CAN WALK. I keep mine on my person at all times. You will not regret spending the $$$.

I have a Littmann 3100 electronic scope(the one that does not record or BlueTooth), and for me it is worth every penny. I am hard of hearing (40% loss in both ears) and I hear bowel sounds that can't be heard with a regular steth, I can tell breath sounds on a 500 lb patient, and I find it to be extremely useful. I guess it depends on the population you work with. I can't live without it.

Specializes in Home Health, SNF,Psychiatric, Prison,.

I'm deaf in 1 ear and partially deaf in the other one. I've had 2 electronic stethoscopes and love them. Each lasted over 5 years. I have a Cardiology III now but my hearing with it isn't very good. Just ordered another electronic one. Giving my Cardiology III to my daughter, a trauma nursing student.

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