Frequently Asked Questions
1. Warranty
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Does my 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope come with warranty?
Yes, it does. If material or manufacturing defects occur during the warranty period, we will repair it free of charge, except in the cases of obvious abuse or accidental damage. If your warranty has expired, we offer affordable stethoscope repairs that include the replacement of the tubing, eartubes, diaphragm, rim, nonchill sleeves and eartips. Spare parts and accessories are also available for purchase. Please go to Where to Buy to purchase from our authorised distributors in India.
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What does my 3M Littmann stethoscope warranty cover?
The warranty covers materials or manufacturing defects that occur during the warranty period, except in cases of obvious abuse or accidental damage.
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Will my warranty be voided if I engrave my stethoscope?
No, engraving does not void the warranty.
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My stethoscope is damaged. What should I do?
You can contact us via our online form to find out about your repair options.
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What is involved in sending in my stethoscope for repair?
For stethoscopes under warranty, the customer receives all new pieces (except for the chest piece which is cleaned/polished) and returned as close to a 'new stethoscope' as we can provide. For more information, please contact us via our online form
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I bought my Littmann stethoscope in another country, is the warranty still valid in India?
Yes, the warranty is still valid. Please contact us via our online form if you need any assistance. For more information, visit the Warranty and Repairs page.
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Does the warranty cover missing or stolen stethoscopes?
The warranty does not cover missing or stolen stethoscopes or its accessories. If you do decide to purchase a replacement, we would suggest finding a retailer that offers engraving or name tags. Our authorised retailers can be found at our Where to Buy page.
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Does the warranty cover the replacement of damaged tubing caused by pets chewing on it?
The warranty does not cover tubing chewed by pets. You can still have your stethoscope serviced to have the tubing replaced. Submit your repair request via our online form.
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Does my warranty cover the replacement of the stethoscope tubing?
Yes, it covers any material or manufacturing defects that occur during the warranty period, except for cases of obvious abuse or accidental damage. Alternatively, if your warranty has expired, we offer affordable repairs that including replacing the tubing, eartubes, diaphragm, rim, nonchill sleeves and eartips. Contact us to find out more about your repair options.
2. Stethoscope Care
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My stethoscope tubing picks up stains easily. How should I clean my stethoscope?
Our stethoscopes can be cleaned with soap and water or with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe. Another option is using a 2% bleach solution. However, the stethoscopes that contain red pigments in the tubing color (Burgundy, Pink, Plum, Peach, Raspberry, Orange, etc.) do experience slight discoloration after exposure to bleach. Therefore, only use the 2% bleach solution on non-red pigmented stethoscopes or where the aesthetic coloring of the tubing is not of importance. Due to the destructive nature of bleach, we recommend using a bleach solution on a limited basis and/or when necessary; otherwise, using isopropyl alcohol wipes or a disposable wipe with soap and water will suffice for routine cleaning. Visit our Stethoscope Cleaning and Care page for more information.
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Do you have any advice on where to store my stethoscope when it’s not in use?
You can use the stethoscope packaging box to store your stethoscope. Many clinicians also opt to store theirs in a bag, briefcase or locker. We recommend storing it in a place away from extreme heat. Visit our Stethoscope Cleaning and Care page for more information.
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Should the stethoscope diaphragm be changed periodically to optimise performance?
The diaphragms should be cleaned between patients with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a disposable wipe with soap and water. If the diaphragm becomes damaged, it should be replaced. You can purchase authentic Littmann spare parts kits from our authorised distributors in India. Visit the Where to Buy page for details.
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How do I prevent my stethoscope tubing from becoming stiff?
The tubing material may become hard when exposed to skin for long periods of time. We recommend wearing the stethoscope over a collared shirt or jacket away from direct contact with your skin. For more information, visit our Stethoscope Cleaning and Care page.
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How do I store my stethoscope in extreme temperatures and dusty environments?
You can store your Littmann stethoscope in the packaging box that it came in. Place it in a natural position, inside a cool and dry cupboard, drawer or locker. For more information, visit our Stethoscope Cleaning and Care page.
3. Stethoscope Usage
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I love the sound, but it hurts my ears. Any tips? I’ve tried different sized ear pieces.
We recommend trying both sizes of soft-sealing eartips included in your box to see which one feels most comfortable. You can also try adjusting the headset tension – learn how to do so here.
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How do I wear the stethoscope comfortably so that my ears don’t hurt?
We recommend trying both sizes of soft-sealing eartips included in your box to see which one feels most comfortable. You can also try adjusting the headset tension –learn how to do so here.
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How do I wear a stethoscope with a hijab?
To get a good acoustic seal, the eartips of the stethoscope must be inserted under the hijab into the ear canals. You can also view different videos on YouTube to try different methods and see which one works the best for you.
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I have hearing problems and can’t hear with my Littmann Lightweight stethoscope.
The 3M™ Littmann® Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope provides reliable acoustic performance for taking blood pressure readings and making limited physical assessments of adult patients. For added acoustic performance, we would recommend looking at our Littmann Classic III Stethoscope. The Classic III stethoscope is a dependable clinical tool that provides high acoustic sensitivity for performing general physical assessments. To view the attributes of each stethoscope model in the 3M™ Littmann® range, download our product attributes chart here.
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Is there a big difference in auscultation using an adult stethoscope compared to a pediatric stethoscope with a pediatric patient?
To get a good acoustic seal, you must make good contact with the patient’s skin with the diaphragm. The diaphragm on the adult side might be too big to make good contact on pediatric or very thin patients. In this case, the pediatric side would work better.
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Is there a difference in sound quality between the 56- and 69-cm tubing?
The quality is the same regardless of tubing length.
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Should I put on the nonchill bell sleeve that came with my Cardiology IV stethoscope or keep it as is?
You can leave it as is. Both sides of the chest piece have tunable diaphragms which allow you to hear low- or high-frequency sounds simply by adjusting the pressure on your chest piece (see video here for more). The smaller diaphragm is designed for use with pediatric or very thin patients.
If you only see adult patients and prefer to use an open bell, you can remove the smaller tunable diaphragm and install the nonchill bell sleeve for your patients’ comfort.
4. Recommendations
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Which stethoscope would you recommend me if I want a pediatric stethoscope with dual-lumen tubing?
We’d recommend the Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope. It provides the highest acoustic performance in our range, has a pediatric side to its double-sided chest piece, and features dual-lumen tubing.
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Will the chest piece color change or diminish over time?
Precision chest pieces are designed to deliver excellent sound quality while resisting the impacts, scratches, and chemicals of daily use.
4.1 Which Littmann stethoscope would you recommend for:
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Medical/nursing students?
If you will be performing physical assessments and monitoring, we recommend the Littmann Classic III stethoscope; if you will be performing detailed diagnostic auscultation, we recommend the Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope.
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Pediatricians?
We would recommend our Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope. The Cardiology IV stethoscope delivers outstanding acoustic performance, diagnostic versatility, and convenience for treating adult and pediatric patients. The pediatric side of the dual-head stethoscope can be converted to a traditional open bell by removing the tunable diaphragm and replacing it with the included nonchill bell sleeve.
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Someone who is in a Surgery unit, or studying to be in one?
If you will be performing limited physical assessments, we recommend our Littmann Classic III Stethoscope. If you will be performing detailed diagnostic auscultation, we recommend our Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope.
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Veterinary care?
We recommend our Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope for animal care.
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Midwives?
We would recommend our Littmann Classic III Stethoscope. If it is intended for long-term use, we would recommend our Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope.
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Respiratory therapist?
The Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope due to its new and improved acoustics.
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An EMT basics student?
The Littmann Classic III Stethoscope or 3M™ Littmann® Master Classic II Stethoscope. They are both hard-working and dependable clinical tools for physical assessment and monitoring.
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Obstetrics?
We would recommend the Littmann Classic III Stethoscope due to its versatility – large side for mom, pediatric side for baby.
5. Product Information
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Are your stethoscopes made in the U.S.?
All Littmann mechanical stethoscopes are made in the USA.
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How do I know if my Littmann stethoscope is authentic?
Authentic Littmann stethoscopes have a serial number engraved on the chest piece. If your 3M™ Littmann® stethoscope does not have a serial number, or you have difficulty locating the serial number, please contact us through our online form. We recommend that you purchase your 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope from one of our authorised distributors in India to ensure that you qualify for warranty coverage and after sales service.
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Do Littmann stethoscopes contain latex?
No. Littmann stethoscopes use next-generation tubing that does not contain natural rubber latex or phthalate plasticisers.
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Can any Littmann Stethoscopes be used during an MRI?
No. All our stethoscopes contain metal.
5.1 Features
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Does Littmann make stethoscopes with longer tubing?
Our standard stethoscope lengths are 56cm and 69cm. The Master Classic II stethoscope is sold in a 71cm-long tube primarily for use in veterinary settings.
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Do all Littmann stethoscopes have a tunable diaphragm?
Yes, that is correct. All our mechanical stethoscopes are tunable, except for the Classic II Infant and Pediatric stethoscopes. Additionally, only the Littmann Classic III Stethoscope and Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope are tunable on both sides of the chest piece.
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Are the Littmann Cardiology IV diaphragms interchangeable with the Littmann Classic III?
Diaphragms for Cardiology IV and the Classic III are the same.
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Is the bell removable in the Cardiology IV?
The pediatric side of the Cardiology IV stethoscope can be converted to an open bell by removing the tunable diaphragm and installing a nonchill bell sleeve. Both the Cardiology IV and Classic III stethoscopes come with tunable diaphragms on the adult and pediatric sides of their chest pieces.
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Is it possible to “transform” the open-bell side of a Classic II SE stethoscope into a pediatric side by assembling a pediatric diaphragm onto it?
The Classic II S.E. stethoscope has a double-sided chest piece with a diaphragm on one side and an open bell on the other. A pediatric diaphragm is not available for this model.
5.2 Comparison
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Is the Cardiology IV stethoscope superior to the Master Cardiology?
Both the Cardiology IV and Master Cardiology™ stethoscopes have outstanding acoustics. The major difference is within the chest piece functionality. The Cardiology IV stethoscope offers a pediatrics side which can be converted into a traditional bell, where the Master Cardiology™ stethoscope has a single sided chest piece. It really depends on the patients you diagnose and your personal preference.
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Are there significant differences in terms of sound quality between the Cardiology IV and Master Cardiology?
The Master Cardiology stethoscope is considered the top-of-the-line model for acoustic performance. However, the Cardiology IV stethoscope comes very close. The biggest difference lies with the chest piece. The Master Cardiology stethoscope has a single-sided chest piece for use on adults. Many cardiologists use this stethoscope. The Cardiology IV has a double-sided chest piece (large side for adults and small side for pediatric or thin patients). A clinician that sees patients of all ages might prefer the Cardiology IV stethoscope because of that. Also, the pediatric side of its chest piece converts to an open bell, so if you want the option of having an open bell, the Cardiology IV stethoscope is recommended.
6. My Personal Littmann
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Where can I engrave my Littmann stethoscope?
Dealers offer their own engraving services so we recommend shopping around for the best price. Visit our Where to Buy page for a list of 3M™ Littmann® authorised distributors in India.
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Can I bedazzle/bejewel my stethoscope?
We do not recommend the use of decorative glitter or rhinestones on the stethoscope tubing since their effect on acoustic performance is unknown and they may introduce extraneous noise due to rubbing on the sound tube. In addition, these types of decorations interfere with the proper cleaning of your stethoscope.
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Does Littmann offfer custom stethoscopes?
We do not provide special orders nor do we encourage our customers to attempt to customise their stethoscopes.
7. Stethoscope Replacement Parts
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Where can I purchase my stethoscope replacement parts from?
You can purchase them from 3M™ Littmann® authorised distributors in India. Visit our Where to Buy page for details.
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What are your eartubes made of?
The metal eartubes are made of aircraft-grade lightweight Aluminum alloy.
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Where can I request for repairs, replacements or spare parts?
You can request for repair services or replacement spare parts through this online form. Please note repair service charges will apply. If your warranty has expired, spare parts kits can be purchased through our authorised distributors.
8. Where to Buy
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Where can I buy Littmann stethoscopes from?
You can purchase your stethoscope from our authorised distributors here. Rest assured that your stethoscope purchase is genuine and backed by an authentic 3M™ Littmann® local warranty.
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I’m interested in being a distributor for Littmann stethoscopes. How can I contact you?
Please contact us through our online form and we will have someone follow up with you.
