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Using Your 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope

3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes are renowned for their profession-leading level of acoustics and comfort in usage. Find quick tips other than those found in our learning resources on how to use and wear a Littmann stethoscope and make the most of your instrument's functions.

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Putting your headset on correctly

The ear tips should point in a forward direction as you insert them into your ears. The stethoscope headset is angled to complement the anatomy of the typical ear canal and is designed to provide a comfortable, acoustically-sealed fit.

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Proper fit and assembly of ear tips

Using the proper sized ear tips

For optimal acoustic performance, it’s important to use the ear tip size that best fits your ear, especially when using soft-sealing ear tips. 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope ear tips are available in small and large sizes.
Tightening your ear tips

While assembling the eartips, push the small side of the eartip firmly onto the eartube until it snaps fully into place.

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Adjusting headset tension

For a tight, yet comfortable fit, you can adjust the tension in the headset for a custom fit. To decrease tension, pull the eartubes apart. To increase spring tension, squeeze the eartubes together, crossing them over. Repeat until the desired tension is achieved.

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SAFEGUARD YOUR STETHOSCOPE

Have your 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope covered for repairs and replacements in our service centers. Register for your warranty online today.

Using your tunable diaphragm

To hear low-frequency sounds, rest the chest piece lightly on the patient.

To hear high-frequency sounds, apply firm contact pressure to the chest piece.

Nearly all 3M™ Littmann® stethoscopes* feature at least one tunable diaphragm to eliminate the need to reposition the chest piece to hear different sounds.



Learn more about tunable technology here.





*Except for Electronic, Pediatric, and Infant models.

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Converting to a traditional open bell

**Except for Pediatric, and Infant models.

1. The small side of a 3M™ Littmann® dual-head stethoscope chest piece** can be converted into a traditional open bell. Use it with the non-chill bell sleeve included.
2. Pinch the rim of the tunable diaphragm with your thumb and index fingernails. Pull and lift it from the chest piece.
3. Assemble the non-chill bell sleeve by placing one side of the sleeve on the edge of the bell, and then stretching it over and around.
4. To reassemble your tunable diaphragm, remove the non-chill bell sleeve and insert the flexible end of the diaphragm into the groove of the rim. Slowly roll it over the chest piece edge.

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Indexing your Littmann dual-head stethoscope

You can select the side of a dual-head stethoscope you want to use by “indexing” which diaphragm is open to the acoustic path. Simply rotate the stem until it clicks. The mark on the stem should point towards the side to be used.

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Attaching a Special Procedures Adaptor

The Special Procedures Adaptor is designed to fit over the diaphragm side of the stethoscope chest piece. Attach the adaptor by pressing it over the diaphragm. To remove it, pull it away from the chest piece.

This adaptor makes it more effective for pediatric or thin patients, working around bandages, and carotid assessments. It ensures a complete seal for small site auscultation and enhances both low- and high-frequency detection.

^For 3M™ Littmann® Master Cardiology stethoscopes only.