By David Ponce
If there’s one thing that’s stayed quite analog during the digital revolution, it’s been the stethoscope. Not to miss an opportunity to reinvent the wheel, 3M and Zargis Medical have partnered to infuse some actually useful tech into the Littmann 3200 Bluetooth Stethoscope. The device will be able to communicate with nearby computers and offload any data it collects (through Bluetooth, natch), to be analyzed later with included software. They’ve also included what looks like active noise reduction, eliminating up to 85% background noise without eliminating critical body sounds.
Heck, there’s a whole bunch of features into this high-tech stethoscope, and you should keep reading to find out about all of them. Out here you get the more than reasonable price (considering how expensive regular stethoscopes already are): $379.
Proprietary Ambient Noise Reduction Technology (ANR)
Reduces background noise 85% on average without eliminating critical body sounds 13% better ANR than previous models Acoustic Seal Eartips
Patented 3M™ Littmann® Snap Tight Soft-Sealing Eartips provides [sic] a comfortable fit and excellent seal Creates a tight acoustic seal from ambient noise entering through eartip connections State-of-the-Art Sound Sensor
Built to stringent specification Sound experience equivalent to Littmann® cardiology-grade acoustic stethoscope The sound received from the sensor is transmitted naturally to ears through the tubing Frictional Noise Reduction Technology
Helps reduce handling noises compared to previous electronic models Less distracting than previous models Lets you focus on critical sounds Up to 24X Sound Amplification
Extra listening power for when you need it Helpful when a heart, lung or body sound is especially faint May be useful for overly obese patients May be helpful when the patient’s clothing restricts your listening experience
[ Product Page ] AND [ Press Release ] VIA [ MedGadget ] AND [ FayerWayer ]
WHAT is with the rubber tubes? It's laughable nonsense. Earphones are what is needed, or speakers and even then, sounds can be analyzed electronically (somewhat like EKG) to help the physician dx the patient, and training can be enhanced digitally as well. Similarly, cameras are small enough now to ease patient discomfort during physical examinations if the silly doctors can put away their hierarchical status symbol consciousness and adopt modern tools.