best stethoscope?

[Rbrav]

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It's time for me to get a stethoscope, and I was wondering which one people considered the best. My grandparents said they'd buy me one if I went to medical school, so money's not really an object. My mother wants me to get a digital one, but I think I'd be more comfortable with a good old-fashioned one. What does everybody think? Thanks in advance!

(I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find anything when I searched the forums.)

 

[rpkall]

I've heard a few times from various different faculty members at different schools (a PA school and a med school) that the most versatile one with the highest quality is the Littmann Cardiology III, with the back side that can be converted from a pedi diaphragm to a traditional bell.

I think these range in price, depending on where you buy em, from 90-130 bucks.

It's listed first on http://www.stethoscope.com/.

 

[LevatorAni]

I swear by my Welch Allyn Tycos Elite.

They're a little more expensive than the Cardio III, but worth it in my mind.

 

[Zazoo]

littman cardiology III does the job v well.

 

[UCLAstudent]

I just got the Littman Cardiology III. It is really nice.

 

[DrHopeless]

I am one year behind you guys, but do we have to buy a stethoscope when we enter medschool?

 

[UCLAstudent]

I am one year behind you guys, but do we have to buy a stethoscope when we enter medschool?

Yes, among other things. I just spent about $700 on medical equipment. 😱 Your school might provide any necessary equipment (instead of having you buy it on your own), but either way, you'll likely start using it during the first year of medical school.

 

[Ambs]

I agree.. littman cardiology III. I've had mine for a while now and like it, and almost all of the cardiologists I worked for used the III although some had the littman cardiology master.

 

[sgopal2]

I also agree with the choice for: Welch Allyn Tycos Elite

 

[hamedn]

Most kids in my class have the Cardio III. I like it so far, the only recommendations I would make are to get something with both a bell and diaphragm even though Litttman will say that the head can be used as both. Also don't get fooled into buying the Pan optic opthalmoscope, just get the cheapest thing possible.

 

[Rbrav]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I'm leaning toward the Littman Cardiology III. By chance, has anyone used both the Cardio III and the Welch Allyn Tycos Elite? If so, how do they differ, and which is better? Also, has anyone used a digital, and are they worth it?

I'm just full o' questions ...

 

[lord_jeebus]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I'm leaning toward the Littman Cardiology III. By chance, has anyone used both the Cardio III and the Welch Allyn Tycos Elite? If so, how do they differ, and which is better? Also, has anyone used a digital, and are they worth it?

I'm just full o' questions ...

I tried both. The littman was very good, both in volume and clarity. I could not hear as clearly with the tycos elite. I understand there's a lot of individual difference and because of the earpiece positioning some people will hear better with the tycos.

Personally, I use a DRG Staff Cardiology.

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

ok this is all very confusing
why the cardio models?
a bell scope by littman is ok? i have 2 regular littmans and i dont want to buy more - but i know they arnt cardio.
one of them is a classic black littman.

 

[UCLAstudent]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I'm leaning toward the Littman Cardiology III. By chance, has anyone used both the Cardio III and the Welch Allyn Tycos Elite? If so, how do they differ, and which is better? Also, has anyone used a digital, and are they worth it?

I'm just full o' questions ...

I've heard that the Tycos Elite is a little better than the Littmann, but that it also has a steeper learning curve.

 

[Uegis]

I got a Cardio III for a gift from a friend. I don't have a very good understanding of them, but I have heard from many people that Cardio III is the best price to quality ratio.

 

[Rogue_Leader]

ok this is all very confusing
why the cardio models?
a bell scope by littman is ok? i have 2 regular littmans and i dont want to buy more - but i know they arnt cardio.
one of them is a classic black littman.

If you already have one, don't bother buying another for now. For the first 2 years, anything you already have (provided it's not a $5 fisher price el cheapo) will be fine. You can consider maybe getting a better one when you start third year, but that's something you can discuss with your advisor or other 3rd years.

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

If you already have one, don't bother buying another for now. For the first 2 years, anything you already have (provided it's not a $5 fisher price el cheapo) will be fine. You can consider maybe getting a better one when you start third year, but that's something you can discuss with your advisor or other 3rd years.

oops its mattel not littmann 😛

 

[Medikit]

27 or 22 inches?

 

[Megalofyia]

what is the difference between a littmann III and littmann IIe?

 

[12R34Y]

I'd say it is about half and half at my school between Littman Master Cardiology and Cardiology III.

I personally have a master and love it. It's the top of the line in acoustics and never had any trouble in the newborn nursery listening to little babies hearts and lungs.

doesn't really matter though.

just buy something.

later

 

[naimist]

what is the difference between a littmann III and littmann IIe?

Check out this site for a comparison between Littmann scopes.

http://www.3m.com/us/healthcare/professionals/littmann/jhtml/products.jhtml

 

[roggan]

Will this be okay? (for the 1st 2 yrs at least)

http://www.3m.com/us/healthcare/professionals/littmann/jhtml/select_ns.jhtml

That's the one I have right now. It's a Littmann Select

 

[Ambs]

27 or 22 inches?

22.. better sound

 

[Medikit]

22.. better sound

I heard that from some people, but then I heard that that is only really a factor on really old stethoscopes. 😕

Have you started school yet?

 

[noncestvrai]

22.. better sound

Better chance to smell your patient's B.O.

I have a cardio III 27", I hear things just fine, I recently bought it, as I was perusing the CCU ward this summer, I was able to hear nicely the heart sounds and bruits for instance.

noncestvrai