Dual Head Stethoscope?

[addydooley]

Hello! I have to have a dual head stethoscope for school. I've tried searching online, but I don't understand the difference between a dual head and single head stethoscope. They look the same to me! Can anyone explain differences? Is there a difference in how they look? A family member has volunteered to buy mine as a gift, I want to make sure she understands what I need. I'd hate for her to spend money on something I couldn't use. Thanks in advance!

[vanilla bean]

A simple google search resulted in multiple sites explaining the difference between the two in terms of both use and appearance. Take a look at this page and you will see a photo along with a brief description of different types of stethoscopes.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

The dual head stethoscope doesn't have 2 heads. It has one head, 2 sides. One side is called the bell and the other is called the diaphragm. You can flip it over and listen with each side.

Some stethoscopes just have one side. You can't flip it over. They are not dual head.

[AliNajaCat]

The reason is because the diaphragm hears high-pitched sounds best, like fine rales, and the bell hears lower-pitched sounds best, like the S3-S4 of heart failure. Yes, it matters that you learn that skill. There are new stethoscopes that incorporate the ability to do both with one head depending on how firmly you press it to the skin. Either way, be sure you know the difference and use both correctly.

PS. Don't listen to those folks who say, "I never had to listen for an S3-S4 in all my life, that's for doctors" unless you think it's OK to be less skilled and less able to do a complete assessment of somebody who may have heart disease (and they are everywhere, even in OB).

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

I so had the mentality of not needing to be able to hear/identify S3, S4... until I attended a CHF inservice at the nursing home I worked for at the time and learned why I needed to be able to identify especially an S3.

Also, the bell can be handy in the assessment of peds.

See if you have some friends who have stethoscopes already so you can see which dual head stethoscope you like and is comfortable for you. There is a lot of variation between stethoscopes, even within the same price range - and personal preference definitely is also a consideration.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Hello! I have to have a dual head stethoscope for school. I've tried searching online, but I don't understand the difference between a dual head and single head stethoscope. They look the same to me!

No, they absolutely do NOT look the same. See vanilla bean's excellent link.

That sure is nice of your relative to offer to buy you a stethoscope.