Stethoscope Priapism

[seizure415]

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I'm currently on my third stethoscope because the same thing keeps happening... basically, after about 1 year, the rubber material midway through the scope (where it contacts my neck, as that's where I usually end up wearing it) hardens like quik-dry cement. When I whip it out to do an exam, the thing sticks up like it's perpetually on viagra. Now plenty of my colleagues also wear their scopes around their neck but don't seem to have the same problemo (or at least don't admit to any problems). Is this just a molecular reaction between my body chemistry and the rubber, or am I going crazy? What can I do to stop this insanity?

For the record, I am dead-set against those adorable stethoscope "cozies" that pediatricians and nurses wear... I am an internist and dammit, I ain't gonna have no furry animal wrapped around my neck!! And yes, I'd like to keep the scope around my neck as it tends to fall out of my pockets when it's there (besides, only surgeons keep scopes in their pockets).

 

[Bobblehead]

First, don't put the stethoscope directly against your skin. The oil from your skin will make the rubber break down. If you must carry it around your neck put it around your collar or your coat's collar. Also treat the tubing with Armour-All on a regular basis. I only apply a coating every few months but I don't allow the tubing to contact skin a lot. Keep in mind that most Littman scopes can have only their tubing replaced which may save some money over an entirely new stethoscope.

 

[ekydrd]

You can get a fabric cover that is solid colored if those cute little animal faces bother you. I kinda like my cover that has multicolored smiley faces all over it 😀 . The armorall is a good idea too. I've been told by several people here the same thing.

 

[Eidolon6]

The tubing is infused with a plasticizer that keeps it pliable. With constant friction, exposure to extreme temperatures, this seeps out over time, resulting in a brittle stethoscope. Littman stethoscopes have 6 year warranty typically, which includes coverage for the tubing of the the device...if you have a Littman, check out whether your warranty applies.