mechanics

[jt2007]

This is more a nursing mechanics question. I have tried several steths. I ended up with the Littman because Im having trouble hearing the sounds.

When I tried it out I could hear just fine out of it, now I have gotten my ordered one I cant seem to get a sound out of it except when turned to the smaller of the two surfaces.

I had my ears checked but nothing significant...

Does anyone know if I might just be wearing it wrong, do you have any "tricks" to hearing through it.

I have a COPD patient and realy need to be able to hear the sounds..please any info and experiences will be helpful.

Thanks

[jrsmrs]

Are you pushing hard enough? You should be pushing firmly enough on the diaphragm side that you leave a visible pink ring on the skin when you remove it. With the bell side, you push very lightly, just enough to make a light seal.

Are you turning the stem when you try different sides? I only ask cause I didn't figure that out the first day I tried mine lol! You can't just flip the steth back and forth, you need to actually rotate the endpiece on the stem or hose part or whatever you want to call it. Wow, that is a pitiful explanation! I hope you know exactly what I'm talking about and that's not the problem you're having, lol!