Amplified stethoscopes produce a louder output than a standard stethoscope (up to 20 times louder) through the use of ambient noise reduction technology and electronics (Biomedex Healthcare Technology 2005).
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Amplified stethoscopes can augment the sound by up to 20 times that of a standard stethoscope. This can be useful for people with a hearing impairment or those who work in a particularly noisy environment and require additional volume.
There are several different types of amplified stethoscopes including:
- ambient noise reduction stethoscopes which use technology that reduces the room noise and enhances the internal body sounds
- battery operated electronic stethoscopes.
Most amplified stethoscopes are compatible with hearing aids using the ‘T’ or telecoil switch (Word of Mouth Technology Pty Ltd (no date specified); 3M 2008).
Relevant Links:
References:
3M Australia 2008, Littman Stethoscopes: Electronic stethoscope model 3000, 3M Australia, Sydney, viewed 26 March 2008, <http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_AU/Littmann/stethoscope/electronic-auscultation/model-3000/>.
Biomedex Health Care Technology, Electronic Stethoscope: Jabes, Biomedex Australia Pty. Ltd., Wollongong, viewed 26 March 2008, <http://www.biomedex.com.au/pcare/steth.html>.
Word of Mouth Technology (no date specified), Amplified Stethoscopes, Word of Mouth Technology, Melbourne, viewed 26 March 2008, <http://www.wom.com.au/category.php?c=24+>.