Difference between 22" and 27" stethoscope: Which is better?

Katmease · Jul 5, 2001

I too, have a small problem with hearing with a regular stethoscope (my hearing is normal otherwise so I suspect it partially has to do with how the earpieces fit). I use a Cardiology III & am amazed at the difference between it & other scopes. It does have the 27" tubes so I don't have to bend over quite so close but I have also heard shorter tubes are better. Hope that helps. I've spoke with several other nurses that swear by the Cardiology III. Hope that helps.

ktwlpn, LPN · Jul 5, 2001

Originally posted by Rileycat
I was looking at stethoscopes on-line, and some are offered in both 22" and 27" lengths. I have heard that the shorter the tube, the better the sound quality. Is there a big difference between a 22" and a 27" stethoscope as far as sound quality goes? I am slightly hard of hearing, so sound quality is a big issue with me, however, I don't need anything as extreme as an electronic stethoscope. I will be working in PICU, so I want a good quality scope. Any recommendations? Thanks!

The biggest advantages of a shorter stethoscope are - About 5 inches farther away from fresh post-op breath....Less length for the confused combative pt. to wrap around your neck....LOL

walkaway · Jul 5, 2001

I find that the ear piece is the biggest problem. Only very small ones allow me to hear well. The nice cushhy rubber ones block my ears. As for length if you go with a less expensive dual tube (Sprague-Rapport) type you should be able to get better sound with the shortest length. Remember if you should buy the 27 inch length and you can't hear well the tubes can be cut shorter with this style. Of course the longer style does give you more distance from the patient and sometimes this is an advantage. Good luck!

ladybyrd · Jul 5, 2001

Never take one to work that you wouldnt mind loosing!!!

Had a friend who took her "top of the line" to work...

had it less than a week before it came up missing :eek:

Whether it was borrowed,lost, or just plain stolen was never determined.

However, since she couldnt afford a second "top of the line",

she settled for what she could replace if it came up missing again!!

BrandyBSN · Jul 7, 2001

I have a 27 inch Littman Cardiology III. I was in a jazz band in Highschool and played Bass Guitar and my station was close to the drummer's trap set, and now have partial hearing lose... the only scope i have really been able to hear with is the littman Cardio III, its earpieces are a little different than the cheaper kinds, and completely seal in my ears, so i have little to no background noise to contend with. I also have my name engraved in the metal of the scope and a permanent tag (which, when cut off renders the scope useless) so that my scope doesnt "walk off". Hope you find one that works for you!

CEN35 · Jul 8, 2001

color=blue]i pretty much agree with everyone else. the only thing is.......whether your name is engraved or not? scopes tend to grow feet...keep it with you.

me :)

CEN35 · Jul 8, 2001

repeat......ooooooooops

Rileycat · Jul 8, 2001

thanks for your input everyone!

darby · Jul 8, 2001

hi, the best i have seen in the last quarter century,short tubing-littman makes a small bell but heavier for better audio,peds,icu.neuro,or for frail patients,good input keep in lab coat pocket,price is going up all over.take care,darby.

jenadox · Jul 8, 2001

I have tried many scopes, but the absolute best, IMO, is the Littman Master Cardiology. I prefer the shorter tubing because of less noise interference and because it doesn't get in my way when I bend down to do something:p

Jena

darby · Jul 8, 2001

hi.i agree with you,the sound is much more with the 22 inch tubing and the use is easier for us,have a nice evening,darby.