Stethoscope, get to know the types and functions of the following medical devices

When you are sick and go to the doctor, you will generally see this one object lying on the table or around the neck. Yes, a stethoscope, a tool that functions to hear the sound of the heartbeat in the body. Actually, not only to hear the sound of the heartbeat, this medical tool can generally be used to hear the sounds of other organs. What are some of them? Let's look at the reviews below.

What is the function of a stethoscope?

A stethoscope is a medical instrument whose function is not only to hear the sound of the heartbeat, but also to listen to the sounds of other organs in the body. Some of the organs that this tool can hear include the sound of the digestive organs, the lungs, and even the sound of the fetus that is still in the womb can be heard.

In addition to hearing voices in the body, the doctor will also use a stethoscope to hear if there is anything abnormal from sounds in the body. That way, the diagnosis of sounds in the body through this tool can help doctors choose the right action and treatment for the patient.

Stethoscope parts and their functions

1. Eartips

This section is the part that is placed or inserted into the ear.Eartipsbe the exit of sounds that are heard from the organs in the body, including the chest. Eartipsgenerally made of rubber or silicone material that is designed to fit in the ear so that other unwanted sounds do not get mixed up.

Other than that, eartips made with rubber material aims to make it more comfortable to wear on the ear and not cause pain. Because of its small size and cheap price, eartips is one of the components of a stethoscope that is easy to replace.

2.Tubing

Tubing is part of a tool that functions to maintain and transfer the sound frequency that is captured by the diaphragm of the stethoscope and sends it back to eartip. That way the sound can be heard by the user's ear.

3. Bell

Bell usually found in a double-headed stethoscope. Usually this section is at the end of the tool and is circular in shape, attached to another, thinner part (the diaphragm). Bell has a smaller circle shape. This section functions to listen to low frequency sounds that may not be easily detected by other parts of this instrument, namely the diaphragm.Bell it also helps to listen to sound in rugged locations, where you can't normally reach optimally using the diaphragm.

4. Diaphragm

Diaphragm or diaphragm The stethoscope is the flat part of the head of the instrument. Its function is to listen to high notes, for example the sound of the lungs. Some of these types of devices have a diaphragm but don't have one bell to detect low sound.

The types

You can choose this tool according to your needs, it can be high quality or lower. Generally these tools have many colors, different lengths, and different uses.

Basically, each type of device is designed to perform the same function, namely hearing sounds in the body. Here are the different types of stethoscopes you need to know:

1. Cardiology stethoscope

This type of device generally looks the same as a regular stethoscope. The difference is, the ability of this cardiology tool can hear the sound of the heartbeat more clearly. This tool can hear sounds from low to high frequencies from the diaphragm without the need to use bell which is usually found in a double headed stethoscope.

2. Baby stethoscope

This is a type of medical device used to examine babies who are about three months old. This pediatric device is different from a stethoscope in general, because the tip of the head has a small diameter, about 2.6 cm. Why is the diameter so small?

It aims to provide accurate sound clarity when examining body parts, especially the baby's heart rate. In addition, the head end of the device is designed with a non-latex material to avoid allergic reactions in babies. It is used by medical practitioners as well as medical students to listen to and study the heart and other sounds to diagnose and assess problems that may arise in infant patients.

3. Newborn stethoscope

This type of medical device is the smallest type for newborn babies. This tool has a very small diameter, about only 2 cm. Made very small in order to hear the clarity of the sound that is accurate without the risk of being mixed with other sounds coming from outside and around it.

Just like ordinary baby stethoscopes, this medical device is also made of non-latex material which is useful for avoiding allergic reactions and cold sensations when the iron tip of the head of this tool is placed on the newborn's chest.

This medical device is intentionally made so small to get an accurate diagnosis in a short time. Usually this tool is used for diagnosis and physical assessment of newborns.

4. Children's stethoscope

It looks like a regular stethoscope, but can be distinguished by the color and size of the head aka the part that is affixed to the body. This device has a smaller head tip for clearer and more accurate placement on the part of the body you want to hear, such as the heart.

The color given to this tool can also be used to make it look like a toy. So in the future, children will not feel afraid if the doctor wants to check. This type of medical tool is generally used to diagnose as well as physically assess sick children.

5. Electronic stethoscope

This electronic medical device functions to help solve voice problems and amplify sounds heard in the chest or other parts of the body electronically. The electronic sound is then converted into an electric wave which will produce a clearer sound when it reaches the doctor's ear.

This type of stethoscope is divided into two types, there are amplification and digitization types. This tool is very useful, as it can amplify heart or breathing sounds, making it easier to diagnose in the case of faint sounds. Generally, this tool is used for the diagnosis of heart or lung health problems.

Use the stethoscope according to its function

Apart from the above types, which are used for immediate medical purposes, there is another stethoscope for studying. This type has a one-part part tubing but with headset double. This means that one tool can be used by two people at the same time. That is why this type is specifically used for teaching and learning activities.

To get optimal results in listening to body voices as clearly and accurately as possible, quality tools are needed. How good the sound quality you get also depends on the quality of the product you choose. The key, choose a stethoscope that suits your needs in order to get optimal results.