Electronic stethoscopes work by converting acoustic signals produced by a body organ into electronic signals. Although they are more expensive than quality conventional stethoscopes, electronic stethoscopes now look much the same in appearance as a traditional stethoscope.
Electronic stethoscopes offer enhanced sound quality and are easy to operate. Sound received from the sensor is transmitted to the ears through the tubing. Traditional tubing folds easily so that these stethoscopes fit easily into the pocket of a lab coat. Most are durable and weigh the same as a conventional acoustic stethoscope. Other features include LCD and patient heart rate displays.
Advantages
Electronic stethoscopes offer several advantages over conventional stethoscopes. The primary benefit of these stethoscopes is that you can hear heart and lung sounds more easily without amplifying other sounds. The stethoscopes are designed to allow for volume control of the sounds you need to hear while minimizing other background noise, making the devices more effective. Even subtle changes in breath sounds can be picked up and magnified so that you can hear them. These stethoscopes aid health-care professionals in hearing heart murmurs that are difficult to detect with conventional stethoscopes.
Electronic stethoscopes also allow the user to distinguish between body sounds of high and low frequency. Some models of the stethoscope record and play back heart and lung sounds. You have the option of slowing down the recorded sounds to listen again. Most electronic stethoscopes now have wireless capabilities, which allow data to be transferred to a computer or handheld device for storage and retrieval at a later time.
Possible Disadvantages
Electronic stethoscopes are battery-powered, which can be inconvenient for diagnostic purposes if the batteries go dead while you are examining a patient. However, most models include battery monitoring with an indicator when power is low, as well as extended battery life. Many stethoscopes have additional features, which allow you to conserve battery life.
You also cannot fit an alternate type of diaphragm on an electronic stethoscope, as most come equipped with a fixed diaphragm. But since sound is picked up at the center of the diaphragm, one size can be used for both children and adults. Some models of electronic stethoscopes do include both an adult and pediatric diaphragm.
Another possible disadvantage is that if you carry a mobile device like a cell phone in your pocket, you may pick up some faint static while you are listening to your patient's heart.
