FAQs
For your convenience, we have categorised the questions into the following five categories:
 Electronic Stethoscopes
What is proprietary ANR Technology?
ANR (Ambient Noise Reduction) cancels out, on average, 85% of ambient background noise that can interfere with the
ausculatation experience, without eliminating critcial body sounds. So you're much less likely to miss the sounds you
need to hear in noisy work environments. A full 10% better than previous models.
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I am having trouble hearing anything when using the stethoscope…?
It is important that you are wearing the stethoscope in the proper orientation. All Littmann stethoscopes have headsets
that are angled and are designed to fit properly with your ear canals.. When holding the stethoscope, be sure that the
headset is pointed towards the ceiling and then when placing in your ears, be sure that the headset is pointed towards
your nose.
If the stethoscope is in its correct orientation, you can adjust the sound amplification by pressing the "+" and "-"
buttons on the keypad. Also, it is important that the very center of the chestpiece is making good contact with the
patient, as this is the location of the sound sensor. If you still cannot hear any sound, contact 3M Customer Support.
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I do not have a hearing deficit, why would I need an electronic stethoscope?
There are many heart and lung sounds that are difficult to hear and our studies show that this is often the case, even
with normal hearing. Amplification with ambient noise reduction helps you hear what you need to hear. In addition, some
electronic stethoscopes have the additional ability to record and play back auscultated sounds.
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Mechanical Stethoscopes
What are the advantages of using a tunable diaphragm?
When using a stethoscope with a tunable diaphragm, the user does not have to remove the chestpiece from the patient in
order to change from the bell to diaphragm mode. Also, single-sided chestpieces are shaped to provide a more comfortable
grip for better feel and control.
When listening to low frequency sounds with a tunable diaphragm as opposed to a bell, there will be an increase in
amplitude, or loudness. This is because the sound is coming through a diaphragm with a larger surface area, as opposed
to
the smaller opening on a standard bell. The sound pressure level increases with an increase in contact area on the
patient.
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Stethoscope Model 3000
What if I lose the screw that secures the battery compartment of my Model 3000?
There is no need to completely remove the screw during battery replacement. However, in the unlikely event that a
battery
compartment screw needs to be replaced, one can be ordered through the 3M Customer Service Centre or an authorised 3M
dealer. As an emergency procedure, until you receive the screw replacement, we suggest to push the chestpiece firmly
closed and apply two layers of a strong tape over the joint line including the screw opening.
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How should I clean my Model 3000?
It is best to wipe down the scope, both chestpiece and headset, with alcohol. If necessary the diaphragm can be removed
for cleaning and also wiped with alcohol. The stethoscope is splash proof; however, it should not be immersed in any
liquid.
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Every time I switch on my Model 3000, it starts on a very loud (or very low) level. It was not like this when I
bought it.
It means that the default volume setting may have been accidentally changed. You can reset it to the volume level that
is
most effective and comfortable for you by first selecting that volume level, and then pressing the PLUS or MINUS button
until you hear a double beep sound. The stethoscope will start at that volume level each time you turn it on and until
you programme it differently. Changing the volume during auscultation will not affect the preset volume setting you have
established.
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How long does the battery of my Model 3000 last?
Approximately 200 hours (six months) of normal use. Before the battery is depleted completely, you will hear a warning
tone that the battery has only two more hours of continuous use. The Model 3000, if running on a low battery, will
perform as normal and sound quality will not be compromised.
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Stethoscope Model 3100
What type of battery does the 3100 stethoscope use?
The stethoscope was designed to accommodate three battery types to fit your needs. Use one AA Alkaline, Lithium, or NiMH
battery to operate your electronic stethoscope. The default battery type is Alkaline. Therefore, if using either a
Lithium or NiMH battery, you must change the battery type within the setup menu of the electronic stethoscope for a
reliable battery life indication on the display screen. The Lithium battery is a non-rechargeable cell that is
recommended for low-temperature operation of the stethoscope and generally has a longer life than an Alkaline battery.
The NIMH battery is a rechargeable battery (external charger required).
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How long is the battery life? Can I do anything to extend it?
The Littmann Model 3100 battery will last for approximately 60 hours of continuous use. Before the battery is depleted
completely, you will hear a warning tone that the battery has only two more hours of continuous use. The life of the
battery is being conserved if you are seeing the Littmann logo. You are in standby mode. To enter active mode, tap on
the
diaphragm or push a button. To turn off the stethoscope, either do nothing (to enter standby mode after a length of time
based on POWER setting) or push the power button for two seconds (preferred).
There are several options to maximize battery life.
1) Minimizing backlight display time will conserve battery life. Select Menu > BACKLITE and then select either DISABLE
or
ON DMND (on demand). DISABLE will completely disable the backlight at all times. With ON DMND, the backlight will only
activate after pressing the power button. If you feel the backlight is necessary in order to read the display screen,
simply select Menu > BACKLITE > ALWAYS. This will activate the backlight at half power to provide visual assistance, yet
minmize power consumption.
2) Ensuring the Auto On / Auto Off feature is enabled (should be by default) will preserve battery life. This feature
can
be customized to allow for different periods of time before entering standby mode. To optimize the battery life, select
Menu > POWER > LOW. This will program the stethoscope to enter standby after 10 seconds of inactivity.
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How durable is the stethoscope?
The Littmann Model 3100 was subjected to splash tests, drop tests, cleaning tests, button press tests and other rigorous
testing to ensure it could withstand even the toughest conditions. The chestpiece's solid, cast-metal construction and
durable chrome finish can stand up to years of wear and tear. The Littmann Model 3100 is validated to operate at -22°F
to
104°F (-30°C to 40°C) and a relative humidity range of 15 - 93%.
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Will the Littmann Model 3100 work on Infants and small children?
The Littmann Model 3100 was designed to auscultate people of all sizes, including infants and small children. The
acoustic sensor is only the size of a small button or dime located in center of the chestpiece. Therefore, when
auscultating a patient, you only need to be concerned about making contact with the exact center of the chestpiece to
achieve optimal sound quality.
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The heart rate display is intermittent?
When trying to obtain the heart rate of a patient, it is important that the very center of the chestpiece is making good
contact with the patient, as this is the location of the sound sensor. It takes five seconds of consistent heart sounds
to compute the initial heart rate and updates are provided every two seconds. The heart rate will then be displayed for
10 seconds after removal of the chestpiece from the patient. Prior to the initial reading, the display shows two dashes
(--). For heart rates outside a range of 30-199 bpm, the display will also show two dashes (--).
The acoustic-based heart rate display functions best when the Littmann Model 3100 is placed near the apex of the
patient’s heart and can be monitored while using any filter mode and/or volume level. If the heart rate changes from
consistent to inconsistent or if there is excessive ambient noise, patient movement or lung sounds during auscultation,
the heart rate will display two dashes (--). With practice, your ability to obtain a heart rate from your patient will
improve.
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Where can I find repair service?
We offer complete Littmann stethoscope repair and refurbishment services to ensure your equipment can keep up with your
day-to-day workload. Do not attempt to repair the electronic stethoscope yourself. Notify the 3M Customer Support at
telephone (01344) 858020 , fax (01344) 857865 or visit the repair service page for details.
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