Information on the Anatomy of a Stethoscope

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Anatomy of a Stethoscope & Recommendations

DS Medical provide a wide range of stethoscopes and replacment parts, so read below to make the right choices for your stethoscope needs and see how our range compliments the variety we have to offer

Stethoscopes - Binaural Assembly

Stethoscope ear tubes are connected by a tensioning spring that holds the earpieces firmly & comfortably in the ear. Some models have the ear tubes permanently affixed to the tubing. In less costly models they are friction fit. Some stethoscopes have rotatable & adjustable ear tubes. The more expensive stethoscopes tend to have the ear tubes fixed at a 15 degree angle for a snug aural fit. Binaural can be machined from aluminium, brass (chrome plated) or stainless steel. Stainless is more durable and its general mass eliminates some of the extraneous noise.

Stethoscopes - Eartips

Stethoscope earpieces are usually made of hard or soft plastic, threaded, snap-on or friction fit. Better stethoscopes often generally have softer eartips that fit more snugly in the aural canal. Buy your replacement eartips here

Stethoscopes - Valve Stem

Stethoscopes have a rotating valve allows for a selection of one side of the chest piece or the other. Best demonstrated on the ADC 601 Convertible Cardiology Stethoscope

Stethoscopes - Tubing

Stethoscope tubing is generally made of PVC and is used to transmit the sounds from the chest piece to the binaural (ear tube) assembly. We sell replacement stethoscope tubing that fits most types of Sprague Rappaport Stethoscopes (including the ADC 641 - 160012) and for the dual head & nurses stethoscopes (160001 & 160003)

Stethoscopes - Diaphragm Side

The Diaphragm is used in the stethoscope for the detection of high frequency sounds. This Diaphragm is generally PVC or an epoxy fibreglass compound.

Our best selling ADC 641 Sprague Rappaport stethoscope features adult & paediatric diaphragms as well as 3 different sized bells

Stethoscopes - Bell Side

The Bell Side is used in the stethoscope or detection of low frequency sounds. An excellent example of this is our ADC 603 Classic Littmann Style Stethoscope

Stethoscopes - Diaphragm Rim

Each stethoscope has a retaining ring that secures the diaphragm to the chest piece. They may be snap on or threaded. Buy replacements here

Stethoscopes - Non-Chill Bell Ring

Stethoscopes have a PVC rim that insulates the metal bell from the patients skin for comfort. On the more expensive stethoscopes the ring also extends the walls of the bell improving acoustic performance.

See this feature on our ADC 602 Cardiology Stethoscope