Choose a quality stethoscope to help you learn how to listen

Like every autumn, medical students around the world are starting the first or next semester of their studies. Stethoscopes are an essential tool for medical students and it is imperative to start with a stethoscope that has a professional level of acoustics that will not only help from the very beginning of your studies but will also perform for years to come. Give your clinical skills a head start with a high-quality stethoscope from the renowned manufacturer 3M™ Littmann®.

3M™ Littmann® stethoscopes are not only particularly precise and robust, but also weigh less than comparable stethoscopes from other manufacturers. In addition, they offer excellent acoustics, which is indispensable for auscultation. By using a stethoscope correctly, you can learn a lot about your patient. Whether listening to the heart, chest, bowel sounds or monitoring the patient, auscultation gives you a quick and efficient way to make an initial assessment. In addition, auscultation makes it easier for you to build a relationship with the patient and establish trust. 

On this page, you will find tips about what you should look out for when buying a stethoscope and information about two particularly suitable Littmann models: 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology IV and 3M™ Littmann® Classic III. This way you can be sure to choose the right stethoscope and achieve the best results. 

The Anatomy of a 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope

Open bell: The paediatric side converts to an open bell. The traditional way to hear low frequency sounds. 

Chestpiece: The chestpiece is a solid precision unit. The stem attached to it is easy to rotate and therefore very durable.

Dual-frequency diaphragm: Light pressure can be used to hear low frequency ranges and firm pressure to hear high frequencies.

Tubing: Bends easily without kinking and is resistant to constant cleaning. Natural rubber latex was not used in its manufacture.

Eartubes: Adjustable in tension and made of light, stable aluminium alloy. Adapt optimally to the natural shape of the ear canal.

Soft eartips: The eartips adapt perfectly to the shape of the ear, so that they are not only comfortable but also provide an effective seal.  

Top Tips for Buying a Stethoscope

Step 1: See

Hold the stethoscope by the headset and let it hang straight down. Do you notice any significant kinks or bends that may interfere with the use of the stethoscope? 3M™ Littmann® stethoscopes have no kinks or distracting bends and bend easily during patient examinations. Also, make sure that the eartubes cross symmetrically - this will ensure a high level of wearing comfort. 

Step 2: Feel

Feel the soft eartips of the stethoscope with your fingers. If the surface is smooth, they are not only particularly comfortable, but also seal optimally during auscultation. Attempts to remove the eartips from the eartubes should not work. In addition to high safety, this also ensures maximum acoustic performance. The classic 3M™ Littmann® stethoscope has all these features. 

Step 3: Listen

Test the acoustic performance of the stethoscope. Listen not only to yourself but also to other people. How much can you hear with the stethoscope? Also vary the pressure on the chestpiece - 3M™ Littmann® stethoscopes guarantee hearing low and high frequency ranges.  

3M™ Littmann® Classic III & Cardiology IV in Comparison

Hear More. Learn More. 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes

With the purchase of a 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope, you will also receive free access to the 3M™ Littmann® Learning Institute app. This offers you the following features: 

 Develop diagnostic skills using patient scenarios 

 Listen to real heart & lung sounds to recognise different conditions

 Track your progress

 Test your knowledge

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Documents to Download

Anatomy of a Stethoscope

Learning Institute App

Cardiac Auscultation

Pulmonary Auscultation