Stetoskoopi

Stetoskoopi, also known as a stethoscope in many languages, is a medical instrument used for auscultation, the act of listening to internal body sounds. The device helps clinicians assess the heart, lungs, and other organs by amplifying sounds produced during the body's functions. A typical acoustic stethoscope consists of a chest piece with a diaphragm and/or bell, flexible tubing, and earpieces. Sound from the chest piece travels through the tubing to the clinician's ears, while ambient noise is partially muffled by the design.

Stetoskoopi was invented by René Laennec in 1816 in France as a wooden monaural tube. It evolved over the 19th century into binaural designs that use two earpieces and flexible tubing, improving comfort and sound transfer. In the late 20th century electronic stethoscopes were introduced, providing amplification, tone analysis, and sometimes digital recording and wireless transmission.

Design and variants: Acoustic stethoscopes rely on mechanical amplification of body sounds; electronic stethoscopes convert sounds to electronic signals and may amplify, filter, or visualize them. The chest piece may feature a diaphragm for high-frequency sounds and a bell for low-frequency sounds; many models employ dual-lumen tubing to reduce noise. Materials commonly include aluminum, stainless steel, rubber, and polyvinyl chloride.

Use and significance: Stetoskoopi is a standard tool in medical practice, used by physicians, nurses, and paramedics to assess cardiac, pulmonary, and abdominal sounds. It remains essential in physical examination, with digital models offering recording and remote consultation. Proper technique and regular cleaning are important for accuracy and hygiene.