Rarely will you see a doctor or a nurse walking without a stethoscope? What many people do not understand is that the device is not just meant to enhance physical appearance.
The importance of the stethoscope
1. Amplification of sound ou
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Stethoscopes amplify the sounds emanating from the body organs or cavities. Some of the sounds are very soft. They can be easily missed when no sound enhancers are present. Through amplification, medical personnel can detect them easily. It reduces the time taken to make a diagnosis. Consequently, medical attention will be provided fast hence saving many lives.
2. Enhance frequency range
Some stethoscopes are made in such a way that adjustments can be made on frequency ranges. Various medical issues generate different sounds. Misdiagnosis cases are avoided through correct interpretation of the results.
3. Noise reduction
Detecting faint sounds is not easy when the environment is noisy. That is why some manufacturers have come up with stethoscopes which can mask the noise. Even when there is chaos going on, the doctor can still pick the sounds. Mass casualty scenes can be noisy, but it does not mean the victims do not need immediate help. A doctor with a stethoscope is more resourceful than the one without in such a scenario.
4. Replay and record functionality
Data can be stored in the advanced stethoscopes for future reference. Patients can also get to see and hear the recording from the doctor. It is very important in this era where the patients are enlightened about their rights. Also, making transfers into medical records will be easy when all the parameters are present.
5. Visual display and accurate reading
Electronic stethoscopes indicate on a digital platform the sound the medical professional is listening to. The sound can be picked using earphones. What is missed through an auditory channel is captured in the digital display.
It means that the read
ings will be more accurate. Patients who are very ill need immediate help. When the doctor is struggling to confirm the findings, then much time is wasted.
A stethoscope is needed in assessing every part of the body. There are also stethoscopes which listen to the heartbeat of the fetus while in the womb. Their structure is different from the normal ones. To note is that people have different preferences. Personal choices and tastes will cause variations in the brand bought. However, all should serve the same purpose at the end of the day.