We previously reviewed the Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope and in this article, I have reviewed the superior 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope which boasts all features found in the IV model with more additional cool features.

This is a cardiology stethoscope that integrates with EKO CORE to make a smart detection tool with automated murmur detection, sound amplification, active noise cancellation, and wireless listening.

What’s special about cardiology stethoscopes?

Unlike other stethoscopes such as neonatal or pediatric stethoscopes, cardiology stethoscopes such as the model IV by Littmann are designed to hear heart, lung, and vascular sounds with great clarity. They have a tunable diaphragm that can be used to detect high-frequency or low-frequency sounds by simply alternating between light and firm pressure on the chest piece.

3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope Review

This stethoscope has been designed to provide users with the ultimate in sound quality and performance. It features a new generation of acoustic sensor technology that delivers unbeatable sound quality, while the built-in EKO CORE algorithms provide automated murmur detection, sound amplification, active noise cancellation, and wireless listening.

The 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope is a premium, high-performance stethoscope that combines the outstanding acoustics, comfort and quality of a Littmann cardiology-grade stethoscope with advanced digital technology.

Up to 40x amplification:

This premium digital stethoscope features up to 40x amplification and active noise cancellation for increased confidence in auscultation. The 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope connects with Eko software on a smart device to visualize, record and share data.

The 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope is a versatile tool that can be used in both analog and amplified listening modes, making it perfect for a variety of assessments.

Analog and digital modes;

You can use analog mode when you need to hear faint or distant sounds, or when you don’t have a power source available. In amplified mode, the stethoscope provides up to 40x amplification1 to help you hear low-frequency sounds more clearly.

The 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope also features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to reduce background noise, so you can focus on the task at hand.

The stethoscope’s advanced digital technology also allows you to connect with Eko software on a smart device to visualize, record and share data. The Eko app features an integrated clinical decision support system that provides real-time feedback on heart and lung sounds.

Tunable diaphragm:

The tunable diaphragm technology allows you to hear different frequency sounds by adjusting the pressure on the chest piece, while the soft-sealing ear tips conform to individual ears for optimal comfort and excellent sound occlusion.

Works with Eko software:

The 3M Littmann CORE Stethoscope works with Eko software on iOS and Android devices, giving you a HIPAA compliant means to save and annotate 15, 30, 60 or 120-second recordings in a secure dashboard. Create a library of heart sounds to monitor the progressions of a disease or for education, and securely share recordings with colleagues. 140X amplification based on a comparison of analog versus electronically assisted amplified listening with maximum volume at the peak frequency (125 Hz).

Double-sided:

It has double sides and can be used as pediatric stethoscope and as an adult stethoscope.

Specs:

Product Dimensions‎1.75 x 6.75 x 14.75 inches; 8.18 Ounces
Item Weight‎8.2 ounces
Manufacturer‎3M Littmann
ASIN‎B08KYMF1JC
Item model number‎8480
Batteries‎1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer‎No
Date First Available‎October 19, 2020

Pros:

  • -Tunable diaphragm
  • -40x amplification
  • -ANC technology
  • -Eko software compatibility
  • -It is double-sided andvers a wide range of frequencies.

Cons:

  • -May be too expensive for some users
  • -there are complaints about the charging port being open – It is open to germs etc, and harder to clean, especially by using bleach wipes etc.
  • -There are complaints about the app being poor.
  • -Some functionalities such as the ability to send are not possible without a subscription

Video Review:

Check out the full user guide here.