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Frequently Asked Questions

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General Stethoscope Information

Who invented the stethoscope?

The stethoscope was invented in 1816 by French physician René Laennec, who created the first version using a simple wooden tube to better hear heart and lung sounds. Today, innovations like Littmann stethoscopes have transformed his original idea into the gold standard for acoustic performance and reliability in modern medicine. Check out our blog post on the history of the stethoscope for more background information.

What is a stethoscope used for?

A stethoscope is a medical instrument used to listen to internal body sounds such as the heart, lungs, and blood flow, making it an essential tool for accurate diagnosis and patient monitoring. Healthcare professionals often choose high-quality models like the Littmann Classic III Stethoscope or Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope to ensure clear acoustics and reliable performance.

How does a stethoscope work?

A stethoscope works by transmitting sound from the chestpiece through tubing to the eartips, allowing clinicians to hear internal body sounds like the heart, lungs, and bowel. Advanced models, such as Littmann stethoscopes, use tunable diaphragm technology to switch between high and low frequencies with just a change in pressure.

How do you wear a stethoscope?

To wear a stethoscope correctly, place the eartips in your ears angled slightly forward so they align with your ear canals, creating a proper seal for clear sound. Additionally, be sure the headset rests comfortably around your neck when not in use for easy access. Review our full guide how to properly wear your stethoscope for tips on headset positioning and chestpiece use.

What is the best stethoscope?

The best stethoscope depends on your specialty and needs, which is why our Stethoscope Selector is designed to guide you to the perfect model. Popular choices include the versatile Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV for advanced diagnostics and the reliable Littmann Classic III for everyday use.

What are the main types of stethoscopes?

The main types of stethoscopes include Classic stethoscopes for everyday use, Cardiology stethoscopes for advanced diagnostics, and Digital stethoscopes that offer amplification and recording features. There are also specialized options like Pediatric and Infant stethoscopes designed for smaller patients.

What's the difference between digital and traditional stethoscopes?

A traditional stethoscope relies on acoustic sound transmission, with models like the Littmann Classic III™ and Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV™ offering clear, dependable performance for everyday use. In contrast, a digital stethoscope such as the Littmann CORE Digital amplifies sounds, reduces background noise, and connects to apps for recording and sharing. Learn more about the difference between traditional and digital stethoscopes here.

What is a cardiology stethoscope?

A "cardiology stethoscope" has come to mean a stethoscope that is designed with dual-lumen tubing, which means that while it looks like a single tube, it actually contains two distinct sound channels, one for each ear. This design allows twice the volume of air flow to reach the eardrums, resulting in stronger and clearer sound transmission, which is especially important for detecting subtle heart and lung sounds. Popular models such as the Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV and Littmann Master Cardiology are trusted by clinicians for their exceptional acoustic performance and reliability.

Do I need a Cardiology stethoscope?

You don't necessarily need a cardiology stethoscope unless your work requires advanced diagnostic capabilities, but many healthcare professionals prefer them for their superior sound quality. Options like the Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV or Littmann Master Cardiology are excellent choices if you want enhanced acoustics for critical care or cardiology-focused practice.

What is a general diagnosis stethoscope?

A general diagnosis stethoscope is a versatile tool designed for everyday patient assessments, allowing clinicians to listen to heart, lung, and other body sounds with reliable clarity. Models like the Littmann Classic III or ADC 603 Clinician Stethoscope are popular choices for students and healthcare professionals who need dependable performance across a wide range of clinical settings.

How do you use a tunable diaphragm (and which models have it)?

A tunable diaphragm allows you to hear different frequency sounds simply by adjusting the pressure on the chestpiece, light pressure captures low frequencies, while firm pressure reveals higher frequencies. This feature is found in many top models, including the Littmann Classic III, Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV, and Littmann Master Cardiology.

What are the parts of a stethoscope?

A stethoscope is made up of four main components, each designed to provide comfort, durability, and precise sound transmission. Depending on the model—whether it's a general-use option like the Littmann Classic III™ or a specialized model such as the Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV™, these parts may have unique design features to enhance performance.

Eartips: Soft pieces that fit snugly in the ear, designed to block out background noise so you only hear sounds from the stethoscope.

Binaurals: The angled metal tubes that connect the eartips to the tubing; many models allow for adjustment to improve comfort and fit.

Tubing: Flexible material that carries sound from the chestpiece to the ears. Available in a wide range of colors, tubing may be single lumen or dual lumen, with cardiology stethoscopes like the Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV™ using dual-lumen tubing for improved sound isolation.

Chestpiece: The part placed on the patient's body. Some models feature a single-sided design, while others, such as the Littmann Classic III™ offer a dual-sided chestpiece with a tunable diaphragm on one side and a bell on the other for versatile auscultation.

You can also get a complete breakdown on the anatomy of a stethoscope.

What are special finish models?

Several manufacturers offer special finish models that change the look of the chestpiece without affecting the stethoscope's sound or quality. For example, Littmann produces finishes such as Black Edition, Smoke Edition, Brass Edition, Copper Edition, Mirror, Champagne, and Rainbow Edition, available across popular models like the Littmann Classic III™, Littmann Cardiology IV™, and Master Cardiology™. These options allow you to personalize your stethoscope's appearance while maintaining the same trusted performance.

Can I mix and match the tubing color and chestpiece style combination?

Unfortunately, this is not an option. Because a stethoscope is an FDA-registered Class I medical device, manufacturers must be licensed to sell each model with its exact product specifications, including tubing color and chestpiece style. For variety, many models like the Littmann Classic III™ and Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV™ are available in multiple colors and finish combinations, while premium options like the Littmann Master Cardiology™ also feature specialty finishes.

Littmann Stethoscopes

Why are Littmann stethoscopes considered the best?

Littmann stethoscopes are considered the best because of their superior acoustic performance, durable construction, and innovative features like tunable diaphragms that make patient assessments more accurate. Popular models such as the Littmann Classic III and Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope showcase this combination of reliability and advanced technology trusted by healthcare professionals worldwide.

How much is a Littmann stethoscope?

Littmann stethoscopes vary in price depending on the model, with everyday options like the Littmann Classic III starting under $120. Mid-range choices such as the Littmann Littmann Cardiology IV generally fall between $199–$234, while premium options like the Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope range from $329–$349, with the digital attachment priced at $230.

Will the Littmann Black Edition chip?

No, at Stethoscope.com, we've been selling and engraving Littmann Black Edition models since 1998 and can assure you that the powder coat finish is extremely durable. In the rare event it does chip, your stethoscope is covered under the 3M Littmann warranty, which lasts up to 7 years depending on the model, including popular choices like the Littmann Classic III™ and Littmann Cardiology IV™.

Maintenance and Care

How do I clean and disinfect my stethoscope?

To clean and disinfect your stethoscope, use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or a solution recommended by the manufacturer, avoiding hand sanitizers and immersion in liquids. For long-term care and to keep your instrument performing like new, explore our range of replacement parts.

How often should I replace eartips or tubing?

Eartips and tubing should be replaced periodically to maintain both comfort and acoustic performance, and you can find spare parts on our website. Many clinicians choose to upgrade their stethoscope tubing and eartips every couple of years or sooner if they notice wear, cracking, or reduced sound quality.

What's the lifespan of a Littmann stethoscope?

The lifespan of a Littmann stethoscope typically ranges from 7 to 10 years, depending on the model and how well it is maintained. With proper care and routine replacement of parts like eartips and tubing, your stethoscope can provide reliable performance throughout your medical career.

Ordering and Customer Support

Can we place an order for a stethoscope on the phone?

Yes! Our knowledgeable staff is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST, to help you place an order by phone at 800-238-2448. Whether you're shopping for a Littmann Classic III™, upgrading to a Littmann Cardiology IV™, or customizing your purchase with engraving, we're happy to assist if you prefer not to order online.

What are the Order processing times?

Most orders placed ship the same business day if received by 3:00 PM EST. Even personalized engraved stethoscopes are processed with same-day turnaround to ensure fast delivery.

Do you offer same-day shipping on engraved stethoscopes?

Yes! At Stethoscope.com, we offer same-day shipping on engraved stethoscopes when you place your order by 3:00 PM EST, ensuring fast turnaround without compromising quality. This means you can personalize popular models and still receive quick delivery.

I have a list of 30 stethoscopes with unique engraving. Is there a faster way to place this?

Yes! Simply call us at 800-238-2448, and our team will provide you with a template to quickly enter each engraving request, helping to avoid errors or duplications. This is especially useful when ordering multiple Littmann stethoscopes with custom engraving, ensuring your order is processed accurately and efficiently.

The color of the stethoscope is not what I expected. Can this be changed?

Yes, in most cases, we can accommodate a tubing color change. Many models, such as the Littmann Classic III™ and Littmann Cardiology IV™, are available in a wide variety of colors, though certain finishes like rainbow, smoke, all black, or brass may only come with specific chestpiece styles. If you'd like to request a change, call us at 800-238-2448, and our team will be happy to assist you with the process.

Shipping

How do I track my order?

You can easily track your order by entering your order details to view the latest shipping status. Once your item ships, you'll also receive a confirmation email with your tracking number.

Do you offer Payment options & financing

Yes, Stethoscope.com offers flexible payment options and financing at checkout to make your purchase more convenient.

What are the international shipping policies

Currently, we ship only to U.S. locations, including Alaska, Hawaii, APO addresses, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Can I ship my stethoscope to anywhere in the U.S.?

We DO NOT ship to temporary address locations such as hotels, resorts or freight forwarding companies.

How long does it really take to get a stethoscope from Stethoscope.com?

We offer several shipping options, with most customers choosing our flat-fee Priority Mail ($11.95), which typically delivers in 2–5 days depending on your location. For faster delivery, our Express Mail option ($38.95) is guaranteed within 2 days, with many orders, like engraved stethoscopes arriving next day in major metropolitan areas.

Can we pick up a stethoscope at your offices?

Yes, you're welcome to pick up your order directly from our offices at 64 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776, and we're always happy to meet our customers in person. To ensure your stethoscope purchase is ready, we simply ask that you call us in advance at 800-238-2448 to schedule a pickup time.

Warranty and Returns

What is the return policy?

Our return policy allows you to return most items within 30 days of purchase as long as they are in new, unused condition with all original packaging. Please note that engraved stethoscopes and certain special-order items are non-returnable, so be sure to review your order carefully before finalizing.

Do stethoscopes come with a warranty?

Yes, all Littmann stethoscopes come with a 3M warranty that ranges from 2 to 7 years depending on the model. For example, the Littmann Classic III™ carries a 5-year warranty, while the Littmann Cardiology IV™ includes 7 years of coverage.

Engraving

Does engraving delay shipment?

No, engraving does not delay shipment. At Stethoscope.com, we pioneered in-house laser engraving, so orders placed by 3:00 PM EST Monday–Friday ship the same day, and our permanent engraving protects your stethoscope from loss or mix-ups.

Does engraving void warranty?

No, engraving will not void your warranty. Our unique laser marking process, developed over 20 years ago and now used by manufacturers for serialization and branding, engraves the stethoscope head without causing stress or damage to the chestpiece, so your warranty remains fully intact.

Do you engrave on the tubing?

No, we only engrave on the chestpiece of the stethoscope, since engraving on the tubing can cause damage and stress fractures. Additionally, many stethoscope models use PVC tubing that produces harmful chlorine gas when engraved, so for safety reasons we do not offer tubing engraving.

Can you engrave special characters?

Currently, we're unable to engrave special characters like emojis or non-standard keyboard symbols, as they don't translate well in our engraving process. However, you can still personalize your stethoscope with names, titles, or meaningful messages using our custom stethoscope engraving service, which ensures clarity and durability.

Can I use spaces and punctuation in my engraving text?

Yes, allowable characters include letters, numbers, punctuation, and spaces, and each one counts toward your engraving limit. To learn more about how to personalize your stethoscope, visit our Custom Stethoscope Engraving page.

Can I return my stethoscope to update or change the engraving?

No, once a stethoscope is engraved, we cannot add or modify text since the design is permanently centered in the available space. If you'd like a new engraving, you'll need to order a replacement stethoscope, which can be customized through our engraving options.

Electronic Stethoscopes

What are the advantages of choosing an electronic stethoscope compared to a traditional stethoscope?

Electronic stethoscopes can amplify sounds up to 40x more than a traditional model, making them especially useful for teaching, recording, or caring for patients with faint heart and lung sounds. However, many practitioners still rely on a high-performance cardiology stethoscope for everyday use, as it provides excellent acoustic quality without the need for digital amplification. Learn more about the differences between digital vs. analog stethoscopes.

Are electronic stethoscopes durable?

Yes, electronic stethoscopes are built to be durable, with most models able to withstand drops on hard surfaces while maintaining reliable performance. For added peace of mind, many options like the 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope include a two-year warranty, giving you plenty of time to put your device to the test.

What happens when the battery dies on an electronic stethoscope?

If the battery dies on your 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope, you can simply switch to analog mode and continue using it without interruption. Since the CORE relies on rechargeable power for its digital features, keeping it charged ensures you'll always have access to amplification, noise cancellation, and app connectivity when needed.

Can you use the electronic models with a hearing aid?

Yes and no, users with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids often have success using models like the 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope, since its amplified sound can be paired with compatible devices. However, if you wear an in-ear hearing aid, consider alternatives such as the Cardionics E-Scope with headphone options for a more comfortable listening experience.

Can I connect an electronic stethoscope to a phone or tablet?

Yes, the 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope connects to your phone or tablet through the Eko App, allowing you to visualize heart and lung sounds in real time or save them for later review. This feature makes it especially valuable for collaboration with colleagues, documenting patient care, and enhancing teaching opportunities.

Diagnostic Sets

What is a diagnostic set?

A diagnostic set typically includes an ophthalmoscope head, an otoscope head, and a rechargeable or battery-powered handle, giving physicians the ability to perform comprehensive eye, ear, nose, and throat exams. These essential tools, like otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes, are designed to share a single handle for convenience in clinical practice.

What is the difference between the battery types?

There are three main battery types used in diagnostic sets: nickel cadmium (NiCad), nickel metal hydride, and lithium ion. NiCad batteries can develop a “memory effect,” meaning they should be fully drained before recharging, while nickel metal hydride offers greater capacity and lithium ion batteries last the longest overall. Both nickel metal hydride and lithium ion options are also lighter in weight, with lithium ion being the lightest and most convenient for everyday medical use.

How long do the batteries last?

Battery life will vary depending on the instrument. Typically, diagnostic tools that use standard AA or AAA batteries will last for up to 10 hours of operation time, while a rechargeable NiCad handle offers about 60 minutes of use. For longer performance, consider upgrading to a Lithium Ion handle, which delivers up to 120 minutes of operation and is available with many of our diagnostic sets and otolaryngology instruments.

What is the benefit of purchasing a Fiber-Optic set?

A fiber-optic otoscope directs light through fiber-optic cables instead of a bulb in the viewing path, providing a brighter, unobstructed view of the ear canal for more accurate examinations. You can explore professional-grade options in our diagnostic sets or browse individual otoscopes to find the right fit for your practice.

What is the benefit of purchasing an LED set?

The benefit of purchasing an LED diagnostic set is that LED bulbs provide the brightest illumination compared to xenon or halogen options, ensuring superior clarity during examinations. Additionally, LED lights last for thousands of hours of continuous use since they lack filaments, generate less heat, and require far less power.

How do I recharge a diagnostic set?

Most of the rechargeable diagnostic set we carry include handles that either have built-in prongs or come with an attachment for plugging directly into a wall outlet. For specific instructions, each manufacturer provides charging guidelines in the product literature included with your diagnostic set purchase.