| For your convenience, we have categorized the questions into the following three categories: |
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| General Information |
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| Cleaning and Care |
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| Product Information |
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| General Information |
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I can’t hear anything out of my stethoscope. What is wrong with it? |
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Littmann stethoscopes have a reputation for quality and superior acoustic performance. If the acoustic performance seems to be lacking or absent, visit Use of your Stethoscope for tips to optimize your stethoscope's performance. |
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Do Littmann stethoscopes contain latex?
(Littmann Stethoscope Latex Statement) |
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Littmann stethoscopes do not contain natural rubber latex or dry natural rubber as components or in the product or packaging, with the exception of the 3M™ Littmann® Anesthescope.
The Littmann Anesthescope, Catalog Number 2180, with 10 inch tubing extension includes natural rubber latex only in the tubing component. |
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Can any Littmann stethoscope be used during an MRI? |
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No. All Littmann stethoscopes contain metal. |
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Is there a difference in sound quality between long and short tubing? |
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Past publications have suggested that the shorter the tubing, the better the acoustic response. Laboratory testing has shown this to be true, but the average hearing person will only pick up a difference if there is an extreme increase in tubing length. In fact, based on the manner in which sound waves travel, there is a slight advantage in low frequency sounds with longer tubing. Most heart sounds are considered to be in the lower frequency range. Length of tubing seems to be a personal preference, based on physique and infection control issues viewed by the user. See Short vs. Long Tubing for more information. |
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What are the advantages of using a tunable diaphragm? |
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When using a stethoscope with a tunable diaphragm, the user does not have to remove the chestpiece from the patient in order to change from the bell to diaphragm mode. Also, single-sided chestpieces are shaped to provide a more comfortable grip for better feel and control.
When listening to low frequency sounds with a tunable diaphragm as opposed to a bell, there will be an increase in amplitude, or loudness. This is because the sound is coming through a diaphragm with a larger surface area, as opposed to the smaller opening on a standard bell. The sound pressure level increases with an increase in contact area on the patient. |
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Why would I want to have a tunable diaphragm on a traditional two-sided stethoscope such as the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II S.E. Stethoscope?
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A tunable diaphragm offers convenience and versatility. A tunable diaphragm on a two-sided stethoscope offers one the choice of using it as a traditional stethoscope, or using only the diaphragm side for both low and high frequency sounds. |
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How do I determine tubing length? |
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| Cleaning and Care |
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What replacement parts are available for my Littmann stethoscope? |
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3M offers replacement parts and accessories for Littmann stethoscopes. Our Common Replacement Parts Questions will help you find the part you need and help you determine if you should repair your stethoscope or have it refurbished. |
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How should I routinely clean my mechanical stethoscope? Can I sterilize it? |
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Do not immerse your stethoscope in any liquid or subject it to steam sterilization. If disinfection is required, the stethoscope may be wiped with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
For more information on cleaning both electronic and mechanical stethoscopes , see Cleaning and Care. |
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How do I clean the Littmann Electronic Stethoscopes? |
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Why does the tubing on my stethoscope become stiff and rigid after a period of years? |
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The majority of tubing used on Littmann stethoscopes is made of PVC (polyvinylchloride) which becomes hard when exposed for long periods of time to the lipids found in human skin. Wearing the stethoscope around the neck may cause stiffening of the tubing over time. If worn around the neck, we recommend wearing the stethoscope over a collar away from contact with your skin. |
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How do I know which type of replacement eartips to use on my stethoscope? |
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| Product Information |
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Can I still get the 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology II S.E. Stethoscope?
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The Cardiology II S.E. Stethoscope has been discontinued. However, the pediatric side of the 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology III can be easily converted to a traditional bell like the Cardiology II S.E. After removing the tunable diaphragm, replace it with the nonchill bell sleeve included in the spare parts box. Slip the bell sleeve over the edge of the bell and fit it into place. |
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Will the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Pediatric and 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Infant Stethoscopes offer the same sound quality and intensity as the 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology III Stethoscope when using the small side? |
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The diameter of the pediatric diaphragm on the Cardiology III stethoscope is the same as that of the Classic II Pediatric stethoscope. The tunable diaphragm, along with the design of the small side of the Cardiology III chestpiece, offers better sound especially in the low frequency end of the spectrum. Sound intensity of the Cardiology III stethoscope is greater than that found in the infant and pediatric stethoscopes. The Cardiology III stethoscope offers greater versatility than either the infant or pediatric stethoscope. |
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Can I use the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Infant Stethoscope on neonates? |
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Most neonatal specialists report that the diameter of the bell and diaphragm on this model is still too large to get good surface contact. If the infant is larger, the Classic II Infant model would be appropriate. |
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How is the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II S.E. Stethoscope different from the original 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Stethoscope? |
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In 1996 the standard floating diaphragm on the Classic II was replaced with a tunable diaphragm. The result was the S.E., or special edition of the Classic II. |
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Can I put a tunable diaphragm on my older 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Stethoscope, turning it into an S.E., or special edition? |
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No. The new Classic II S.E. Stethoscope has an attenuating ring behind the diaphragm to make the tunable function possible. The old Classic II cannot be retrofitted to a Classic II S.E. |
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Can I put a tunable diaphragm (like on the 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology III Stethoscope) on my old 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology II Stethoscope? |
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No. The new Cardiology III stethoscope has an attenuating ring behind the diaphragm to make the tunable function possible. The old Cardiology II stethoscope cannot be retrofitted to a Cardiology III stethoscope. |
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