kuuloputken

Kuuloputken, often translated as "listening tube" or "stethoscope," is a simple acoustic medical instrument used for listening to the internal sounds of the body. Historically, it predates the modern stethoscope and typically consists of a hollow tube, often made of wood or metal. One end of the tube is placed against the patient's body, typically over the chest or abdomen, while the other end is placed against the listener's ear. The tube amplifies the sounds produced by organs such as the heart, lungs, and intestines, allowing a healthcare professional to assess their condition.

The earliest known use of a listening tube dates back to ancient Greece, though its widespread adoption and refinement occurred much later. The development of the modern stethoscope by René Laennec in 1816, which involved a more sophisticated, often monaural, design, gradually led to the obsolescence of the simpler kuuloputken in many medical settings. However, the fundamental principle of acoustic conduction of sound remains the same. Variations of the listening tube have been used across different cultures and time periods for diagnostic purposes. Its simplicity and affordability made it an accessible tool for practitioners before the advent of more complex electronic devices.