FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This post aims to help guide individuals looking for answers about stethoscopes. Current available stethoscope options are detailed in our Stethoscope Comparison Table, though this is not an exhaustive list.
If you have a question or concern that we did not answer, please email us at sep@amphl.org. We are glad to help! If you would like to join our stethoscope loaner program, please fill out this form.
Keep in mind that these answers are not personal recommendations tailored to your hearing loss or circumstances and, to find the best fit for yourself, we recommend working with your audiologist and the stethoscope companies.
Which is the best stethoscope for deaf/hard-of-hearing?
The best stethoscope is the one that works optimally for you! There are many factors to consider including the type and severity of your hearing loss (especially in the low frequency range), the specifications of your hearing devices, and the stethoscope-related requirements of your profession. For some with good low frequency hearing, using the stethoscope without hearing devices may be a better option. Trying different stethoscopes is the best way to determine what works optimally for you! Remember you may need to work with your audiologist and the stethoscope company to determine the optimal set up for you and/or have a specific stethoscope program added to your hearing device.
What is the Stethoscope Equity Program (SEP) and how can I sign up?
We developed SEP to provide short term loans of amplified and digital stethoscopes so health care professionals and students can try them and determine what works best. We ship one stethoscope at a time to you and you have two weeks to use it in your everyday, real-world environment. We also provide our peer advice and life experiences as medical professionals with hearing losses for guidance and troubleshooting. To inquire about joining this program, please use the Squarespace form SEP inquiry form. We will respond with further information and next steps.
I have hearing aids. Is it possible to avoid removing my hearing aids when I use a stethoscope?
Yes! There are several options. Many of the stethoscopes have Bluetooth connectivity and if your hearing aids are compatible, you may be able to connect wirelessly, either directly to some of the stethoscopes or by using a smartphone app to connect. Adding a streamer, such as Phonak Roger On or similar device, may be necessary to improve sound quality depending on the type of Bluetooth in your hearing aids or cochlear implants. It may also be possible to use over the ear headphones, either wirelessly or by using a 3.5 mm or USB connection. We recommend working with your audiologist to achieve optimal connectivity to the stethoscopes which may include creating a specific stethoscope program for your hearing devices and/ or connecting using a streamer.
Which headphones are best with a stethoscope?
Good quality headphones that allow modulation of bass volume and have a tight seal over the ears work best to amplify body sounds and decrease background noise. Reports from our users on noise-cancelling headphones are mixed; some people notice an improvement in the quality of the sound and decrease in background noise while some do not. That said, most good quality headphones should work well.
Which stethoscopes do you offer for trial and how do they compare?
Please see the stethoscope comparison table on our website for details of our currently available inventory.
I will be getting new hearing aids or cochlear implants. What should I look for in the new devices so I can get the best hearing using a stethoscope?
If possible, we recommend universal Bluetooth and the option to add a dedicated “stethoscope program” with amplification of the low frequency sounds and diminution of the higher frequencies. This stethoscope specific program will not be optimal for hearing speech so it is an additional program and not the everyday program for your hearing devices.
For clinical situations that require contact precautions, how should I clean my stethoscope?
The stethoscope chest piece can be covered or cleaned between patients. In addition, some digital stethoscopes have remote listening capabilities so the user can hear body sounds via Bluetooth, even from outside the patient room.
Are there any completely visual stethoscopes that do not require hearing? Do any of the current stethoscopes have visual cues?
Currently there is no completely visual stethoscope. However, several of the current digital stethoscopes do have visual representations of heart and lung sounds and 3 lead EKGs available in real time. With advances in AI, some of the companies are offering more visual options and interpretation of heart murmurs, arrhythmias and lung sounds. Information can be found on the individual stethoscope manufacturers’ websites.
Do any of the current stethoscopes have diagnostic AI?
AI use in stethoscopes is evolving. Currently, some options are available to assist with diagnosis of some heart murmurs and arrhythmias. Please see the manufacturers’ websites for current information.
Are the stethoscopes cleaned between users of the SEP program?
Yes, we use hospital-grade alcohol wipes to clean the stethoscope upon return and also include wipes in the shipping box so it can be cleaned by the user prior to returning. Alcohol wipes can be used in between patients. Please do not use any other chemical cleaners as this may damage the stethoscopes.
I am a veterinarian. Animal fur often interferes with hearing body sounds. Which stethoscopes should I consider?
We can provide suggestions based on our users’ experiences. Some stethoscopes pick up less noise from the fur than others. Please contact us using the Squarespace form for the most up-to-date information.
I work with children and newborns. Are any of the stethoscopes suitable for pediatrics?
While we are not aware of any specific pediatric or newborn digital stethoscopes, there are attachments that can be added to your current analog stethoscope to give it amplification and noise cancellation capabilities. Depending on the size of the child, a standard stethoscope bell may be adequate.
Do any of the stethoscopes integrate with telehealth platforms?
Yes! This is an area of ongoing research and development. Please view the individual manufacturers’ websites for current information.
Can I use over the counter hearing aids, such as the Apple Airpods 2 with a stethoscope?
Our SEP users report that these can work very well when paired via Bluetooth to digital stethoscopes.
I work in a very noisy hospital emergency room. What can I do to improve hearing body sounds and block out the external noises?
Noise cancellation is an option with most digital stethoscopes, and some allow the user to control the level of noise cancellation. Creating a stethoscope specific program for your hearing devices can also help. This program would emphasize the low frequencies and decrease the higher frequencies. If compatible with your hearing devices, adding a streamer can allow the sound to be transmitted directly to your devices. With the streamer, many hearing devices allow the user to vary the amount of sound coming through the streamer and from the external environment. Increasing the relative sound to the streamer can help to decrease the ambient interfering noises.
Do any of these stethoscopes ship outside of the United States? Can I access the SEP program if I live outside the United States?
This information changes frequently based on the manufacturer getting approval from countries or discontinuing international shipping. Please contact the manufacturer to get the most up-to-date information for your country.
At this time, due to shipping restrictions and customs regulations, we cannot offer stethoscopes for trial outside the United States. We are actively working with colleagues in several countries with the goal of developing SEP in several international destinations.
Amplified/Digital stethoscopes are expensive. Do you have any advice on affording one?
Purchasing a stethoscope can be expensive, so we offer a few suggestions to consider. If you are employed or a student, the cost may be covered as a reasonable disability accommodation. Also, if you have an FSA or HSA account, you may be able to submit your receipt for payment under the rules of your program. You can also contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation office as they may be able to assist you in purchasing one. Finally, we have discount access codes from time to time and are happy to share them with our users. Please inquire once you decide which stethoscope you would like to purchase. These do change over time, so we cannot post the codes, to ensure accuracy. The company websites may offer additional discounts and it’s a good idea to check. Finally, there are secondary sellers, such as Amazon, to check prices for comparison.