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Technology That Connects

how a littmann stethoscope is made

Innovation: The heart of every 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope

All 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes offer advanced sound acoustics and a comfortable fit, thanks to innovative features built into each stethoscope. Discover the parts of a stethoscope, how each aspect works, and how they help you achieve your best in your profession.

Learn basic stethoscope usage tips


  • Key Features of a

    3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope

    Key Features of a

    3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope

    stethoscope parts and functions
Next-generation tubing

To resist skin oils and alcohol, it is made without natural rubber latex or phthalate plasticizers.

Tunable diaphragm

Switch between hearing high- and low-frequency sounds by adjusting pressure on chestpiece.

Dual-lumen tubing

Eliminates the rubbing noise typically heard when using traditional twin-tubed stethoscopes (only applicable to the 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology series).

Eartips

Snap-tight and soft-sealing for an excellent acoustic seal and comfortable fit.

Chestpiece

Available as either a one-sided variant with tunable diaphragm, or a two-sided variant with a diaphragm on one side and a bell on the other.

Stem

Used to index, or open, the side of the chestpiece that you wish to use.

Eartube

Made of an aerospace aluminum alloy for strength and lighter weight.

Headset

Adjustable by squeezing or pulling apart the eartubes.


Tunable technology

littmann stethoscope parts
  • Hearing the highs and the lows

    Various auscultation sounds occupy set regions in the low and high frequency ranges. As shown in the diagram above, some of these frequencies substantially overlap one another. Because of this, it is important for clinicians to isolate high and low frequencies, and detect and differentiate subtle sounds with their stethoscope.

  • stethoscope tunable technology

    Tunable diaphragm technology makes auscultation more efficient. By adjusting the pressure applied to the chestpiece, clinicians can isolate each frequency range to discern subtle sounds.

    Light pressure allows low-frequency sounds to be heard, while firm pressure will restrict the movement of the diaphragm membrane, block low-frequency sounds, and allow higher-frequency sounds to be heard.

    Also, tunable technology is all about ease and simplicity for the user – it eliminates the need to remove, turn over, and reposition the chestpiece to hear different frequency ranges.

  • Advantages of tunable technology

    Convenience: Spend less time positioning stethoscopes to hear all sound frequencies

    Comparison: Isolation of low and high frequencies provide critical comparisons that offer valuable assessments.

    Consistency: You don’t have to worry about placing your diaphragm in the exact spot where you’ve picked up an anomaly. Simply apply pressure.


Chestpiece

  • precision chestpiece

    A precision-made masterpiece

    3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope chestpieces are precision-machined to capture sounds while having an aesthetically pleasing, less angular shape. Chestpieces are either one-sided with a tunable diaphragm or two-sided with a diaphragm on one side and a bell on the other.

    Chestpieces on the 3M™ Littmann® Classic III™ and 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology IV™ stethoscopes are double-sided with tunable diaphragms on the adult and pediatric sides, which means you only need one stethoscope to auscultate all ages and sizes of patients.

littmann chestpiece

Connecting to the heart of the patient

It only takes 56 seconds to make a meaningful human connection with a patient – so why not use your stethoscope as a tool to impart a personal touch?

See how 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes combine advanced technology with a human touch.

Find a combination that’s perfect for you.

Filter 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology IV™ and Classic III™ stethoscopes by tubing colour, chestpiece finish, and more.


View stethoscopes in the 3M™ Littmann® range

  • Sturdy, refined, and designed for superior acoustic performance.

  • Compact, sensitive and lightweight, it’s perfect for general physical assessments and diagnoses.


Ready to purchase a 3M™ Littmann® stethoscope? Here’s where you can get one online.