The 3M Littmann Guide

Discover what makes Littmann stethoscopes different

PRODUCT COMPARISON CHOOSING YOUR STETHOSCOPE CARE + TIPS SHOP 3M LITTMANN BRAND
HOW TO CHOOSE A STETHOSCOPE

Try before you buy. Take every opportunity to test out friends’ and colleagues‘ stethoscopes. Take note of features you love.

If you’re new to using a stethoscope, check out the Anatomy of a Stethoscope below.

hear and compare to choose the right stethoscope
Hear the Difference

Test it out: What can you hear? Try listening to your own heartbeat.

Seem louder? Yup, 4+ times louder. Tests conducted by 3M found sounds were over 4x louder than other stethoscope brands.

Listen and compare. After you’ve tested out a Littmann try other brands, get opinions, and read reviews.

SEE & FEEL THE DIFFERENCE

TUBING: Hold the headset and let the tubing hand straight. You won’t find the kinks and bends you may see on other brands thanks to 3M flexibility. Sturdy yet lightweight construction that drapes around the neck.

EARTIPS: See how they are perfectly symmetrical. Smooth, soft eartips for ultimate comfort.

HEADSET: Easily adjust by squeezing for more tension or gently pulling apart for less tension.

Learn the difference between stiff tubing and Littmann stethoscope flexible tubing Learn the difference between heard edge and Litmann stethoscopesoft eartips
Don't Know Which Littmann To Get?
Check out our littmann comparison chart
MAKE IT ONE OF A KIND WITH PERSONALIZATION
Add our laser engraving to the head or tube of your stethoscope - or both!
Learn about laser engraved for your Litmann stethoscope Learn about laser engraved to personalize your Litmann stethoscope
WHY ENGRAVE?
  • Protect your investment
  • Make yourself more identifiable to patients & staff
  • High-quality look that doesn’t wear off
  • Ideal in any environment
READY TO BUY?
SHOP LITTMANN STETHOSCOPES SHOP STETHOSCOPE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
ANATOMY OF A STETHOSCOPE
Get to know all the essential components

With the exception of electronic models, all current Littmann stethoscopes have similar components to the Cardiology III shown.

Learn more about Littmann chestpiece
CHESTPIECE
  • One-sided chestpiece with tunable diaphragm
  • Or two-sided diaphragm and bell
  • Open or closed bell depending on model
  • Larger diaphragm for adult patients
  • Smaller bell for pediatric or thin patients, carotid assesment and getting around bandages
  • Replace diaphragm with non-chill bell sleeve/rim to convert closed bell to open
  • Stem connects tubing to chestpiece
Make it one of a kind with with Head Personalization
TUNABLE DIAPHRAGM

Check out this video to see how the tunable diaphragm works

SHOP DIAPHRAGM PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Learn more about Littmann next generation tubing
TUBING
  • Next generation tubing has improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol
  • Longer tubing life
  • No natural rubber latex or phthalate plasticizers
  • Protects human health and the environment
  • Double lumen tubing has two sound paths inside one outer tube
Make it one of a kind with Tube Personalization
Learn more about Littmann headstets and eartubes
HEADSET AND EARTUBES
  • Headset with eartubes, tension springs and eartips
  • Eartubes positioned at an anatomically correct angle
  • Eartubes snap the eartips on tightly for safety
  • Made from aerospace aluminum alloy for strength and lighter weight
  • Headset tension can be adjusted for individual fit and comfort
  • Pull eartubes apart to reduce tension
  • Squeeze eartubes together to increase tension
Learn more about Littmann eartips
EARTIPS
  • All Littmanns fitted with eartips that snap tight onto eartubes
  • Eartips provide an excellent acoustic seal and comfortable fit
  • Available in small and large sizes
  • Many models come with an extra pair of soft sealing eartips and firm eartips
SHOP EARTIPS