Whether your stethoscope needs fresh new ear tips or its diaphragm is wearing out, Littmann offers a full range of spare parts kits available to fit your needs. Using spare parts is a cost effective way to replace any defective parts of your stethoscope without having to buy a new one.
In this guide we will discuss the different kits available, what to check for when buying them and explain how to replace the parts on your stethoscope.
How to Find the Right Parts for Your Stethoscope
When looking to purchase spare parts for your stethoscope you will need to make sure that there is a kit available for your model. For most models currently in production, there will be a spare parts kits available.
When browsing spare parts kits on our website, you will be able to see what model each kit is compatible with in the title and description so you can ensure you are purchasing the right one, this is also displayed on the spare parts kits packaging as shown below.
Littmann also provides spare parts kits for their most popular stethoscopes in both black and grey so you can choose the right one to compliment your stethoscopes colour.
browse our selection of Littmann spare parts
Signs You Need to Replace Parts on Your Stethoscope
Making sure that your stethoscopes parts are in working in order is important as if the stethoscope is not working to its full potential this could cause complications like slowing down assessments, missing clinical findings and even misdiagnosis. We recommend checking your stethoscope at least once a month for any damage so this can be found and prevented.
The most common signs that your parts need replacing are;
Poor sound quality:
If you notice the sound quality is muffled, inconsistent or faint this could be due to a loss of an acoustic seal which is likely to be caused by a damaged diaphragm. This could also be due to cracked/damaged tubing so its worth checking for any splits or cracks.
Loose or damaged parts:
If parts on your stethoscope are loose, this will affect the seal of the components which will affect how the stethoscope pick up and transmits sound. The same goes for any visibly damaged parts, regularly check your stethoscope for any damage including punctured and worn out diaphragms.
Worn-out or ill-fitting ear tips:
The ear tips on your stethoscope should create a tight and comfortable seal, if they are visibly damaged or feel loose you should purchase new ones and make sure you get the right size. This prevents sound leakage and provides passive noise cancelling making focusing on what your listening to easier.
How to Replace Your Stethoscopes Ear Tips
Having the correct sized ear tips will provide effective passive noise cancellation, giving you better focus on what you are examining. Ear tips are included in most spare parts kits and are also available to purchase on their own in a pack of two if they are the only spare part you require.
To remove the old ear tips from your stethoscope you will need to pull them firmly until they pop off. When installing the new ear tips you need to push the metal tubing through the small hole on the ear tip until it is past all the three ridges to ensure a tight and secure acoustic seal as demonstrated below.
How to Replace Your Stethoscopes Diaphragms and Sleeves
The diaphragm on your stethoscope is used to pick up and amplify sounds so it is important to make sure it's in good condition so you can utilize your stethoscope to its full potential.
Littmann stethoscopes use their own technology of tunable diaphragms which are able to pick up both low and high frequency sounds depending on how much pressure is put on the surface you are listening on.
This saves having to swap to the open bell side of your chest piece making diagnosis quicker and easier.
To replace them, firstly you will need to remove your old diaphragm which can be done by peeling it off around the side of the chest piece as demonstrated below.
The new diaphragm can then be fitted around the chest piece by pushing it on at the sides and rubbing your finger along the rim of the diaphragm to make sure it is securely attached creating an acoustic seal as demonstrated below.
This procedure is the same for both sides of the chest piece on your stethoscope and the non-chill bell sleeves which can also be peeled off and fitted on by wrapping it around the sides of the chest piece.
Can You Replace Tubing on Littmann Stethoscopes?
Although Littmann tubing is not available to buy and replace yourself, Littman do offer a repair service where they can change the tubing for you. This may also be covered under your stethoscopes warranty if its still within its coverage period.
The best way to keep your Littmann stethoscope and its tubing protected is to use a case to store it in when not in use. At Medisave we offer a selection of high quality cases for Littmann models in a wide range of colours.
Shop our selection of Littmann stethoscope cases
Its also important to clean your stethoscope and its tubing to ensures that it lasts long and performs at peak performance. When cleaning your stethoscope you should use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes on all its components. Its important not to let your stethoscope get too wet when cleaning as this can cause damage especially around the chest piece and headset.
Video Guide on How to Fit Spare Parts
See Littmanns video below for a more in-depth tutorial on how to replace the spare parts on your stethoscope.
