5 reasons to look for the "L"
Littmann Editorial Team
Why to look for the L
For over 60 years, doctors, nurses, clinicians and healthcare students have chosen Littmann® Stethoscopes for their quality, reliability, and durability. From the soft-sealing eartips to the stainless steel and zinc alloy chestpieces, the stethoscope materials work together to create a device that lasts for decades.
Not only are Littmann stethoscopes reliably louder than other stethoscopes*, they stand out. How can you tell it’s a Littmann stethoscope? Look for the signature “L” on the chestpiece.
The logo is easy to see; however, it’s what you hear that makes the difference. With that in mind, below are five qualities medical professionals have come to expect from a Littmann stethoscope.
1. More than Twice as Loud.
Littmann® Cardiology IV™ Stethoscopes and Littmann Classic III™ Stethoscopes are more than twice as loud as the next-leading stethoscope. The extra decibels allow you to hear heart sounds at frequencies below 120Hz more reliably than with other stethoscopes. Low-frequency sounds in that range include Korotkoff sounds, Mitral Stenosis and S3 and S4 Gallops.
The Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope takes auscultation to another level. It offers up to 40x amplification at peak frequency when compared to analog mode. Active noise cancelation helps block sounds you don’t want to hear, like a conversation down the hall.
"The noise-cancelling functionality of the 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope allows me to confidently assess patients in loud environments, even while living with hearing loss."
- Heather Scally-Bartnik, NP, an EMT and the EMS Chief for the Selden Volunteer Fire Department in Suffolk County, New York.
2. Superior Construction That’s Built to Last
Littmann stethoscopes are designed and manufactured in the U.S. and made with advanced, globally-sourced materials that withstand years of heavy use. Stainless steel and high-density zinc alloy give the stethoscopes their excellent acoustic properties and strength, with little variability between devices. Latex-free tubing is easy to clean, and new Satin-Finish tubing options are more resistant to stains, alcohol, and skin oils than the traditional finish, for enhanced durability.
It's not uncommon for clinicians to use the same stethoscope they bought in nursing or medical school for years into their career. Tracy Paeschke, MD, a preventative cardiologist based in Monument, Colorado, uses the same Littmann she received in 1992 as a gift upon graduating from medical school.
"That Littmann stethoscope has helped me diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including aortic stenosis, heart failure, and pneumonia. Its quality has stood the test of time.”
- Tracy Paeschke, MD
Preventive Cardiologist, Monument, Colorado
3. Suitable for Patients Tall and Small
Busy clinicians don’t have time to swap out chestpieces. That’s one reason why Littmann stethoscopes, including the Littmann Classic III, offer two-sided chestpieces. One side is large enough for adult patients, the other is small enough for pediatric patients.
Tunable diaphragm technology—available with most Littmann stethoscopes—further enhances versatility and ease of use. Hold the chestpiece with light pressure to hear low-frequency sounds. Apply more firm pressure to hear higher-frequency sounds. This feature helps you hear the full range of sound frequency without the need to remove, turn over, and reposition the chestpiece.
4. Designed for Comfort During Long Shifts
Long shifts demand tools that don’t add strain to an already demanding day. Littmann stethoscopes are lighter than other stethoscopes** for enhanced comfort. Soft-sealing eartips and angled eartubes promote sound quality and fit. And when you choose Satin Finish tubing, you get a device that’s less likely to stick to your hair and clothes—a nice touch when you’re seeing patients all day.
Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscopes feature an ergonomic design with a 40% larger chestpiece and 60% deeper bell than the Littmann Classic III. This design enhances comfort for you and your patients.
5. A Legacy of Consistently Superior Acoustics
Physician Rene Laennec coined the term “stethoscope” in the early 1800s, but it was cardiologist David Littmann who, in the 1960s, refined the design into the high-performing models we know today.
For over 60 years, Littmann has remained the gold standard in stethoscopes, long known for their quality, reliability, and consistency. Millions of medical professionals worldwide use and depend on Littmann stethoscopes to monitor their patients’ health.
The next time you do rounds, look at the stethoscopes worn by your colleagues. More often than not you’ll see the signature “L”: a symbol of excellence for Littmann and its discerning customers.
Start shopping to find the Littmann stethoscope that suits your needs and style.
* Based on tests against globally available comparable stethoscopes in an equivalent class using recorded heart sounds with diaphragm.
** Based on published weights of globally available comparable stethoscopes in an equivalent class.
