by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
An audiologist wrote,
I have a patient who is in the nursing field and has a severe-profound hearing loss (70-90 dB). I have recommended amplified stethoscopes before, but I’m not sure if they would be strong enough for her loss.
Another lady asked,
Do you have a reference or a source for the purchase of an amplified stethoscope? I’ve looked online, and they’re really pricey: $300 and up.
Yet another person asked,
Do you know if there are stethoscopes that you can use with a cochlear implant? I have looked on the Internet but can’t find what I am looking for.
The good news is, yes there are amplified stethoscopes readily available to help hard of hearing medical professionals do their jobs. Just do a Google search for “amplified stethoscopes” and you will find a number of suppliers. The bad news is that they can be quite pricey—ranging in cost from $200.00 to over $1,000.00—but you get what you pay for.
If you don’t wear hearing aids, then a “plain Jane” amplified stethoscope may be what you want.
However, if you want to link your hearing aids or cochlear implants to the stethoscope, then you need one with an output jack so you can plug in a patch cord to your cochlear implant, or plug in a neckloop for your hearing aids.
Some of the fancier stethoscopes also have digital displays so you don’t even have to hear at all in order to take blood pressure readings.
Here is probably the most complete source for amplified stethoscopes.
They have a 30 day “walk and wear” guarantee—so if you buy one and then realize it won’t work for you, you can return it for a full refund.
Amplified stethoscopes are pretty pricey. I work for a company called EMP that sells DRG amplified stethoscopes for $450 but they’re great quality and fall mid-range in the pricing mentioned above. If you’re interested here’s the link: http://www.buyemp.com/product/1040623.html
We also carry a number of other stethoscopes as well.
Our sister site (www.SchoolKidsHealthcare.com) has a variety of hearing testing equipment such as audiometers.
I hope you find what you’re looking for.
I have severe hearing loss in my left side had surgery and all and I’m in the health care field. I really need a stethoscope for work can’t afford it. Any way you know where I can find help?
My daughter has a BAHA that she got about 6-7 years ago she is now working on becoming a vet and is having some issues at times with the stethoscopes. I can only find products for cochlear implants but that is not really what she has. Can you steer me in the right direction for her problem. Thank you so much for you help in this matter.