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 optimise your stethoscope's performance.
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.
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.
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.
There is no need to completely remove the screw during battery replacement. However, in the unlikely event
that a battery compartment screw needs to be replaced, one can be ordered through the 3M Customer Service Centre or an authorised 3M dealer. As an emergency
procedure, until you receive the screw replacement, we suggest to push the chestpiece firmly closed and apply two layers of a strong tape over the joint line
including the screw opening.
• Do not immerse your stethoscope in any liquid or subject it to any sterilisation process. 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.
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.
It is best to wipe down the scope, both chestpiece and headset, with alcohol. If necessary the diaphragm can
be removed for cleaning and also wiped with alcohol. The stethoscope is splash proof; however, it should not be immersed in any liquid.
The Cardiology II S.E. Stethoscope has been discontinued. However, the paediatric 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.
The diameter of the paediatric diaphragm on the Cardiology III stethoscope is the same as that of the Classic
II Paediatric 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 paediatric
stethoscopes. The Cardiology III stethoscope offers greater versatility than either the infant or paediatric stethoscope.
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.
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.
No. Tunable stethoscopes like the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II S.E. or Cardiology III Stethoscope have an
attenuating ring behind the diaphragm to make the tunable function possible. The old 3M™ Littmann® Classic II/Cardiology II Stethoscope cannot be retrofitted
to a 3M™ Littmann® Classic II S.E./Cardiology III Stethoscope.
It means that the default volume setting may have been accidentally changed. You can reset it to the volume
level that is most effective and comfortable for you by first selecting that volume level, and then pressing the PLUS or MINUS button until you hear a double
beep sound. The stethoscope will start at that volume level each time you turn it on and until you programme it differently. Changing the volume during
auscultation will not affect the preset volume setting you have established.
Replace the battery, please pay attention to the Plus/Minus pole of the battery. If the stethoscope still does
not work, return it to the 3M Health Care Service Centre on 01509 613569.
There are many heart and lung sounds that are difficult to hear for a variety of reasons and can be
potentially missed even with normal hearing. Amplification with ambient noise reduction helps you hear what you need to hear.
Neither stethoscope is "better" than the other. Rather, each fills a different set of clinical needs. With the
Model 4100, sounds can be recorded and then transmitted to a computer or Pocket PC and viewed as a phonocardiogram for teaching or telemedicine. The
recording feature is not available with the 3000; however, a large percentage of 3000 users do not have the need for the recording feature. Use the Product Selector to compare the Model 4100 and
3000 features.
The Model 3000 allows you to amplify hard to hear sounds. Distracting ambient noise is reduced by an average
of 75%. The two features, amplification and ambient noise reduction, do help clinicians not to miss the sounds they need to hear
Approximately 200 hours (six months) of normal use. Before the battery is depleted completely, you will hear a
warning tone that the battery has only two more hours of continuous use. The Model 3000, if running on a low battery, will perform as normal and sound
quality will not be compromised.
