Stethoscopes- Hearing Problems

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I will soon be entering nursing school and I need a stethoscope. Money doesn't matter a lot- but, I have really bad hearing. What's the loudest and clearest stethoscope recommended? I know littmans are great- but which ones??

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Find a local medical supply store that has several models and bring a friend. Purchase a 15$ Sphygmomanometer there to show intent.

Try out the classic II SE and ADC 603. Or go to walmart and purchase a $15 stethoscope.

I have almost no hearing in one ear and can hear a pulse fine on a cheap training stethoscope. I mistakenly purchased a cardio III, it's heavy, expensive, and I feel out of place with it because it would be better on a cardio floor or icu, not a pre-nursing student.

Make sure you get a double bell and the color you want :)

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I think the answer you're looking for really depends upon how much sound amplification you need vs clarity of sound. I use a Littmann Cardiology III and it delivers incredibly clear sound. It doesn't amplify sound at all. If I was somewhat hard of hearing, it might work and it might not. There are electronic stethoscopes that are (relatively speaking) very expensive but they do amplify sound.

What I would suggest to you is that you visit a shop that sells the entire range of stethoscope products and actually try them out. Don't just try the Littmann products, look at others too. Then once you have figured out what stethoscope you need, get that one. As a student, get the lowest price stethoscope that meets your needs. I would hate for you to simply go out and buy an electronic stethoscope and have it get stolen if all you need is a Classic II SE or something like that.

I should add that as much as I like my Cardiology III, I can use the very cheap $12 dual head steths or the $4 single head steths just as easily. The key thing you need to learn is to know what you're listening for and once you know that, you'll be better able to discern what stethoscope you'll need to be able to hear what you need to hear.

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Specializes in NICU.

Here is a comparison chart for Littmann Littmann Stethoscope Comparison | allheart.com

I use a Littmann Cardiology III because I am 47 yrs old and I consider it a long-term investment.

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A classmate of mine has hearing issues. She bought a stethoscope with an amplifier thing on it, so it's a little more expensive than regular Littmann's. I wish I could tell you what brand, etc. it is!! But they are definitely out there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Find a local medical supply store that has several models and bring a friend. Purchase a 15$ Sphygmomanometer there to show intent.

Try out the classic II SE and ADC 603. Or go to walmart and purchase a $15 stethoscope.

I have almost no hearing in one ear and can hear a pulse fine on a cheap training stethoscope. I mistakenly purchased a cardio III, it's heavy, expensive, and I feel out of place with it because it would be better on a cardio floor or icu, not a pre-nursing student.

Make sure you get a double bell and the color you want :)

Awesome thank you :) that helps!!

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I think the answer you're looking for really depends upon how much sound amplification you need vs clarity of sound. I use a Littmann Cardiology III and it delivers incredibly clear sound. It doesn't amplify sound at all. If I was somewhat hard of hearing, it might work and it might not. There are electronic stethoscopes that are (relatively speaking) very expensive but they do amplify sound.

What I would suggest to you is that you visit a shop that sells the entire range of stethoscope products and actually try them out. Don't just try the Littmann products, look at others too. Then once you have figured out what stethoscope you need, get that one. As a student, get the lowest price stethoscope that meets your needs. I would hate for you to simply go out and buy an electronic stethoscope and have it get stolen if all you need is a Classic II SE or something like that.

I should add that as much as I like my Cardiology III, I can use the very cheap $12 dual head steths or the $4 single head steths just as easily. The key thing you need to learn is to know what you're listening for and once you know that, you'll be better able to discern what stethoscope you'll need to be able to hear what you need to hear.

Thank you!!! I definitely am learning what to listen for so I completely understand that!! Definitely as a young student I don't need a horribly nice stethoscope :)

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Here is a comparison chart for Littmann Littmann Stethoscope Comparison | allheart.com

I use a Littmann Cardiology III because I am 47 yrs old and I consider it a long-term investment.

Thank you I hadn't seen this before!!

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A classmate of mine has hearing issues. She bought a stethoscope with an amplifier thing on it, so it's a little more expensive than regular Littmann's. I wish I could tell you what brand, etc. it is!! But they are definitely out there.

I'm glad to know there are options like that out there!! :)

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I have a coworker that is hard of hearing and she has a digital stethoscope.

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