Stethoscope Problems - The Pull Down?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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Hello Everyone... I have a weird problem, and I've looked around for a similar thread, but I've had no luck. Every time I have a nursing related question I end up here... So I figured I'd make an account and ask.

We've been doing vitals in my class this week. Now, I know how to use a stethoscope and I can take a blood pressure and so on. But I seem to have some sort of problem with my ears. If I don't actually tug the stethoscope (pull it downward) while I am using it... I can barely hear anything... even taps on the diaphragm, but I can feel the vibration so I know it's the right side and everything. The instant I pull down, I can hear everything loud and clear. To have a free hand to do that with while you're taking a BP is kind of awkward... Unless you set the pump down which apparently is a no go... :eek: My instructor looked at me like I was insane when I told her the problem. At first I thought it was just my scope which is already angled (prestige medical clinical I), but I used the teaching scopes at school today and had the same problem even though they aren't angled. I was just wondering if anyone had a similar problem and/or suggestions... I feel like an idiot, but really no matter how much I adjust or push or press... I don't get a quality sound unless I pull down. Everyone else seems to just be able to put them in their ears and go :( .ugh.

Thanks!!

Hello Everyone... I have a weird problem, and I've looked around for a similar thread, but I've had no luck. Every time I have a nursing related question I end up here... So I figured I'd make an account and ask.

We've been doing vitals in my class this week. Now, I know how to use a stethoscope and I can take a blood pressure and so on. But I seem to have some sort of problem with my ears. If I don't actually tug the stethoscope (pull it downward) while I am using it... I can barely hear anything... even taps on the diaphragm, but I can feel the vibration so I know it's the right side and everything. The instant I pull down, I can hear everything loud and clear. To have a free hand to do that with while you're taking a BP is kind of awkward... Unless you set the pump down which apparently is a no go... :eek: My instructor looked at me like I was insane when I told her the problem. At first I thought it was just my scope which is already angled (prestige medical clinical I), but I used the teaching scopes at school today and had the same problem even though they aren't angled. I was just wondering if anyone had a similar problem and/or suggestions... I feel like an idiot, but really no matter how much I adjust or push or press... I don't get a quality sound unless I pull down. Everyone else seems to just be able to put them in their ears and go :( .ugh.

Thanks!!

Are you using hard or soft ears? I've read of other people having problems with the soft ears squinching shut in their ears.

I have a similar problem regarding my stethoscope, but not exactly the same. I have a Prestige Medical Clinical Classic and if I don't hold it steady the ear pieces twist and fall and I can't hear a thing. It seems like an issue with the weight of the scope and ill-fitting ear pieces. Mine seems too heavy, perhaps yours is too light. And I have tried every conceivable ear piece on mine: small soft, hard, gel, etc., nothing works. I certainly don't want to have to hold it in while I use it, as I'm sure you don't want to have to pull it down...I'm interested to see any feedback from this thread.

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