Get the best performance from your 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope

Properly maintaining your 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope can help ensure it performs at its best and lasts for years to come. Here are 5 simple steps to help you keep your Littmann Stethoscope in top condition:

#1: Align the headset

Before placing the eartips in your ears, make sure they point forward, away from you. Holding the headset in front of you with one ear tube in each hand, pull the headset open and place the eartips into your ears.

#2: Adjust for a comfortable and secure fit

If the fit isn't comfortable, or the acoustic performance is lacking, adjust the headset tension. Gently squeeze the eartubes together to increase headset tension or pull them apart to decrease tension. Also make sure to use the right ear tip size for optimal acoustic performance.

#3: Rotate to the correct side

When using a double-sided Littmann stethoscope, make sure to open (or index) the side you want to use, the bell or diaphragm, by rotating the chestpiece. If the diaphragm is open, the bell will be closed, preventing sound from coming in through the bell, and vice versa.

#4: Remove potential obstructions

Lint or dirt may obstruct the sound pathway. Give your stethoscope routine cleaning and care, if you use a 3M™ Littmann®, Cardiology IV™, Classic III™ Stethoscope, or 3M™ Littmann® CORE Stethoscope, keep the open bell free of debris by covering it with the removable diaphragm.

#5: Check the seal

Stethoscopes rely on an airtight seal to transmit body sounds from the patient to the practitioner’s ears. Loose parts in the chestpiece, cracked tubing, or improperly seated eartips can prevent an airtight seal.

By following these steps, you'll help ensure that your 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope performs at its best and provide optimal listening experience for many years to come.


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