New steth should it swivel like this

[direw0lf, BSN]

I exchanged my stethoscope for a RA Bock single head cardiology stethoscope because it was a really good sale and I got mine for under $50! But when I put it in my ears and lift the bell it shifts so much I need to hold it. The part that shifts and twists is that V part in the tubing closer to the ear pieces. It swivels so much that ear pieces fall out if I don't hold it. Is that normal or should I return it? Thanks.

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

I am not familiar with this particular brand, but if you are uncomfortable with the use or fit then you owe it to yourself to get something that you are more comfortable with. No stethoscope that I've ever used required that it be held in place every time you move the bell --- think about how many times that you will have to move the bell simply listening to lung sounds, heart sounds, and bowel sounds that would be a lot of twisting and/or falling out of your ears.

I would not be happy with this.