Which stethoscope should I purchase?

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I am looking to purchase a new stethoscope. I've owned a Litmann and I liked it, but I think the Ultrascope is really cute. Which is the better stethoscope, Ultrascope or Littmann?

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Consider others; such as the selection by MDF, the Riester range from Germany, and DRG/Trimline's PureTone models (the latter being available with SafeSEAL Soft Stethoscope Diaphragms and GELseal Eartips.

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I was wondering the same thing. I also have a littman and it's OK, many nurses I know have that brand, but the ultrascope says it can hear through bandages and things. Plus, they are really cute. But, I don't know if it's all its cracked up to be. Is there anyone that owned or used to own a ultrascope that can give us some good, accurate information. Thanks so much.

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Thank you SimomH, I will certainly consider the DRG trimline puretone stethoscope.

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newtothis123, to answer your question, you can purchase them at www.mystethoscope.com, www.ultrascopes.com, www.mohawkmedicalmall.com, and www.allheart.com.

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

I've never thought of the "cuteness" as being a high priority in my selection of an assessment tool for use in the practice of professional nursing care. Can I afford it? Can I hear what I need to hear in the enviornment I will be using it? Is it durable? Never thought "Is it cute enough?" I may be missing out! Mine is a plain black KILA labs cardiology stethoscope- ugly as sin- but I hear great with it.

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Suanna, I totally agree with you, the "cuteness" is not and should never take priority in the selection of an assessment tool for use in the practice of professional nursing care. I noticed that some healthcare professionals were using the ultrascope stethoscopes, so I was curious about some of the exact things that you mentioned, which is why my question was "Which is the better stethoscope?" and not "which is the better looking stethoscope?" I stated that I thought the ultrascope was cute because in my opinion they are, but most of all because I wanted to know if that was all there is to the ultrascope is "cuteness" or is it a better quality stethoscope than the Littmann I previous owned. I just wanted to clarify my question because after reading your post, I think you misunderstood my question which lead you to believe that I want to purchase a stethoscope based on it's looks and not it's quality.

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I use a Littman Classic II S.E. and I love it. I can hear really well with it. My partner/fellow nursing buddy has an Ultrascope and I have used her's in lab to listen to breath & lung sounds and I will say I can hear slightly better with her's but I still love my Littman :)

Really it's all about preference and every individual is different!

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.
Suanna, I totally agree with you, the "cuteness" is not and should never take priority in the selection of an assessment tool for use in the practice of professional nursing care. I noticed that some healthcare professionals were using the ultrascope stethoscopes, so I was curious about some of the exact things that you mentioned, which is why my question was "Which is the better stethoscope?" and not "which is the better looking stethoscope?" I stated that I thought the ultrascope was cute because in my opinion they are, but most of all because I wanted to know if that was all there is to the ultrascope is "cuteness" or is it a better quality stethoscope than the Littmann I previous owned. I just wanted to clarify my question because after reading your post, I think you misunderstood my question which lead you to believe that I want to purchase a stethoscope based on it's looks and not it's quality.

Sorry- I did sound a bit snippy. I have just come from a CCU float and 3 of the nurses had fluffy pink/purple stethoscopes with the fun plastic globes on them. My 7y/o granddaughter has a better quality stethoscope in her "nurse kit". I just thought in a critical care unit it made the nurses look a little silly. I shouldn't be so judgmental and apologise.

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Also search the web for "Riester" and "MDF" ........ I found some interesting and reasonably priced alternatives. When buying online, always factor in the shipping charge when comparing - and look for free stuff and other items you might need from the same online store. Look for flat rate shipping - make sure they don't charge you more as you add items to your shopping cart!

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I am also in search of a new stethoscope. I currently own a Littman classic and although I can hear better with it than my "cheapo" from the Bookstore I still would like something clearer. I am in search of a stethoscope for my new job. I have looked at the Ultrascopes and the Littman cardiology, also I have the option of buying the Allheart cardiology. One of the drawbacks to the Ultrascope for me is that I don't want to appear as if I am buying it just for the cuteness because that is definitely not the case. I never considered it until I read the great reviews about it. Anyone have any suggestions?

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