Which diaphragm to use for Welch Allyn Harvey Elite?

[BlackTalon]

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Hi all,

I posted this originally in the Pre-allo forum, but am moving it here.

This stethoscope comes with two diaphragms. Which to use for when and why?

Reply from WA (comments?):

Most people that use both prefer the corrugated to the flat because by varying the pressure you can tune the diaphragm. A flat diaphragm actually sits below the rim of the stethoscope diaphragm, so when you contact the skin the first thing to touch is the anti-chill rim followed by the diaphragm. This changes the skin characteristics and in turn the sound you hear. A corrugated diaphragm is stepped so the center rings are located beyond the anti-chill ring meaning these will contact the skin first. Each level or ring on a corrugated diaphragm gives you a new or different set of sounds. So by varying the pressure on a corrugated diaphragm you can actually "tune" the stethoscope. This allows you more control and ultimately provides a better quality of sound.


Thanks for your time.


Cheers

 

[Jolie South]

I just use the flat one. I don't know anything about how to "tune" the corrugated.

 

[DeadCactus]

My understanding is that the corrugated is more for middle frequency sounds. The idea is to use it as a first survey, and then switch to the flat or bell to tune-in on specific sounds. Easy to do with the three headed version, but you just have to choose whether you prefer more accurate diaphragm or a wider frequency range. Maybe I misunderstood...

 

[Hernandez]

the corrugated is much better for middle frequency sounds, and the flat for higher frequencies. I have the 3 head harvey and use the corrugated for heart and flat for lungs/abd, but if I only had 1, I'd probably use the flat. YMMV

 

[BlackTalon]

the corrugated is much better for middle frequency sounds, and the flat for higher frequencies. I have the 3 head harvey and use the corrugated for heart and flat for lungs/abd, but if I only had 1, I'd probably use the flat. YMMV

Thanks for all your comments.

From what i understood from WA, I thought with the corrugated diaphragm I could tune the stethoscope to middle/high sounds. Anyone tried this? Perhaps I should stick to flat then...

 

[MossPoh]

I think you should experiment and find out what works best for you. At this stage, it probably won't be much of a difference.