Stethoscope recommendations

[u/PJaying]

Hello everyone,

I’ll be starting my third year soon and will need a stethoscope. Which stethoscope are you satisfied with? I know that many people recommend Littmann, however, it is quite expensive, and I’m wondering if it’s a bit excessive...

If it’s really worth it, I’ll buy it, but what about other brands? Do you have any experience with MDF or any other manufacturer?

[u/Jennifer-DylanCox]

Tbh even a cheaper version will be enough for med school. If you end up going into cardiology you can always upgrade later on. I’m a bit hard of hearing so I got a ADC Adscope cardio model (not electronic) when it was on sale on Amazon as a senior med student (always had littman classic before that), and it’s still serving me well years later. It’s a bit heavy but the sound is more than enough to make up for my mild hearing loss, and it’s less expensive than the similar model of littman.

[u/PJaying → u/Jennifer-DylanCox]

Thanks for the reply! I'll look into ADC

[u/Apo-B12 → u/Jennifer-DylanCox]

Id just get a normal littmanm that is true and tested. I can barely hear any lung sounds with the cheap stets in the patient rooms. 

[u/DeliciousViolinist37]

I have the Littmann Classic ІІІ but it was a gift and Im not sure if I would have bought it on my own. My two best friends use the ADC 601 Stethoscope and they are very happy with it!!!

[u/PJaying → u/DeliciousViolinist37]

Okay, thanks, good to hear!

edit: lol now I saw that these are even more expensive than the classic iii

[u/DeliciousViolinist37 → u/PJaying]

Oh really? Maybe I got the model wrong? Bc they were giving me shit for the Littmann, so that must mean they have one that costs less. Like Im 100% sure its ADC but maybe its a more basic model.

[u/PJaying → u/DeliciousViolinist37]

Yeah it could be a different model. This one seems to be about 150 usd

[u/Single_Baseball2674]

Spengler Magister is pretty decent, that's what I used in 3rd-5th year

[u/PJaying → u/Single_Baseball2674]

Thanks, I'll look into that!

[u/chillguyy5]

I’d say buy Littmann Classic III if you can afford it. Sometimes it gets too noisy in the hospital rooms and you’ll need to hear clear sounds. Also I’d call it an “investment”. But of course don’t prioritise spending on the stethoscope. Only if you can afford it should you buy an expensive one.

[u/Spinatknedl]

I own an MDF stethoscope, and I’m happy with it. I personally have never heard a difference between my stethoscope and a Littmann one, but I’m also not very interested in cardiology. So it’s definitely good enough for basic auscultation.

[u/PJaying → u/Spinatknedl]

Thanks, good to hear that! Which one do you have?

[u/Spinatknedl → u/PJaying]

The MD One.

[u/PJaying → u/Spinatknedl]

Thanks a lot :) Love your handle btw!

[u/Zoidbie]

ERKA is a decent German brand. Used to be cheaper than Littmann but slightly heavier.

Overall I would advice to consider your specialty choice, if you already have some preferences. E.g. if you plan to specialize in ortho then don't overspend on stethoscope as cheaper options are fine for learning basics at medschool.

[u/New_Ordinary_6618]

I have littman. Didn’t think they’re that expensive though personally for the typical classic one majority of people get, but expense varies by person. You’ll likely use it a long while so I don’t think you should cheap out. The classic is as cheap as it gets with littman