Stethoscope performance

Abstract

A stethoscope is one of the most basic and essential tool necessary to the practicing clinician. The two types of stethoscopes available to health care workers are the conventional (portable, ergonomic, affordable) and electronic stethoscope (sound amplification/control, virtual display). Despite its importance, no guideline exists for the selection a stethoscope based on acoustic properties. Although scientific literature of stethoscope sound performance is limited, studies suggest no significant difference among acoustic stethoscopes, or between electronic and acoustic stethoscopes. In addition to the development of the electronic stethoscope, promising advancements in the field include wireless auscultation and app based clinical support tools.