Defective stethoscope???

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I have a question regarding a stethoscope that I just received in the mail and would appreciate any help. I will be starting nursing school at the end of the month so, I ordered a Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope online after reading so many good things about it on allnurses. I figured buy a good one and it will last my whole career. Anyway, I received it in the mail today and when I opened the box and tried it out, the sound was almost inaudible. I don't know if it's my inexperience with the equipment but should this stethoscope's sound be so low? It also looks like the diaphram is pulling away from the rim, so I'm wondering if that is the problem. Thanks.

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I am just a student and I bought a cheapie, but I thought mine was defective (very low sound just like you described) too.... until I realized that the ear pieces weren't turned into my ear canal. I won't tell you how long that took! LOL

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I too thought that was the problem so I turned it around. When it's on wrong I hear nothing. When it's on right I hear practically nothing, so I'm going to send it back to the company tomorrow and hope for the best. Thanks

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

Before you go through the hassle of sending it back why don't you ask someone who knows how to use a stethoscope to try it out. I'm pretty sure it's user error. Do you have the head turned to the correct position?

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Before you go through the hassle of sending it back why don't you ask someone who knows how to use a stethoscope to try it out. I'm pretty sure it's user error. Do you have the head turned to the correct position?

Master Cardiology is a single sided scope. I'd try and make sure the diaphragm is on properly. From what you are saying it sounds like it is not on properly. They are meant to be taken on and off and sometimes they aren't put on properly. The directions should be in the box. Also keep in mind that some people have fainter heart sounds than others.

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Thanks for all the advice. I was able to fix it myself. It's not as delicate a piece of equipment as I thought it was.

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I have a Littmann Classic II SE and have the same problem. I switched the ear pieces thinking that would help but it's still the same (I do have them in correctly). Even with the diaphragm adjustment, still no luck. I ended up having my teacher try it and she could not hear either. She told me to send it back because it is still under warranty. I am doing that today but in the meantime, I need to purchase another one for school :(

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It has to fit snugly to hear.

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BOught the Master Classic II yesterday - what a difference!!!

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