The bell of the stethoscope is better for detecting lower-frequency sounds, whilst the diaphragm is best for higher frequencies. Studies have shown that auscultation with the bell is more sensitive for detecting cardiac murmurs and that the diaphragm is better for detecting breath and bowel sounds.
Today, I’ll go deeper into exploring the key differences between the stethoscope bell and diaphragm giving advice on when to use one over the other.
First, let’s start by defining and understanding what each component is.
What is a stethoscope bell?
The bell of the stethoscope is a small, cup-shaped piece that is attached to the end of the tubing. It’s used to amplify lower frequency sounds such as heartbeats. It’s also useful for detecting softer sounds, such as those made by an infant.
To use the bell, simply place it lightly on the patient’s skin. You should hear a clear heart tone that’s louder than when using the diaphragm.
Below is an image of the ADC Stethoscope bell going for around $40
Some models such as ADC Adscope Stethoscope come with both a bell and a diaphragm. If you purchase one of these models, the bell will be on the opposite side of the diaphragm.
What is a stethoscope diaphragm?
The diaphragm of the stethoscope is a flat, circular piece that’s also attached to the end of the tubing. It’s used to amplify higher frequency sounds, such as those made by adults and children.
To use the diaphragm, place it firmly on the patient’s skin. You should hear a clear heart tone that’s louder than when using the bell.
Below is an image of ADC 602-03 Diaphragm for Adscope Stethoscopes
Do all stethoscopes come with a bell and diaphragm?
No, not all stethoscopes come with both a bell and diaphragm. In fact, some models only come with a diaphragm. The Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope is one such model and it’s one of the most popular stethoscopes on the market.
Do you need both?
Whilst you don’t technically need both, it’s always good to have a stethoscope that comes with both a bell and diaphragm. This way, you can choose which one to use depending on the situation.
Convertibility of Bell vs Diapghram:
If you have a stethoscope that only comes with a bell, don’t worry. You can easily convert it to a diaphragm by removing the bells. This is typically done by unscrewing the small retaining ring that’s holding the bell in place.
Do note that not all stethoscopes can be converted from bell to diaphragm. So, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer before attempting to do so.
With ADC® ADSCOPE® combination stethoscopes, you can either use the diaphragm for high-frequency sounds or the open bell for low-frequency responses.
To select a side, hold the chestpiece valve stem in one hand and rotate the chestpiece 180° with your other hand until it “clicks” into place.
The stem has an engraved dot that will confirm which side is activated when it faces either the bell or diaphragm. If you’re unsure of which side is activate, simply tap lightly on one then compare it to sound coming from other side.
10 Key differences between Stethoscope diaphragm and bell:
Frequencies:
- The bell of the stethoscope is better for detecting lower-frequency sounds, whilst the diaphragm is best for higher frequencies. This means that the bell will mostly be used to listen to heartbeats, as they make lower frequency sounds. The diaphragm, on the other hand, will be used to listen to things like breath and bowel sounds, which make higher frequency noises.
Loudness:
- In general, the bell amplifies sound less than the diaphragm. This is because the diaphragm has a larger surface area than the bell, so it can gather more sound waves.
Soft sounds:
- The bell is better for detecting soft sounds than the diaphragm. This is because the bell amplifies sound less than the diaphragm, so softer sounds are more likely to be audible.
Heartbeats:
- The bell is better for detecting heartbeats than the diaphragm. This is because the bell amplifies lower frequency sounds better than the diaphragm, and heartbeats make lower frequency noises.
Breath and bowel sounds:
- The diaphragm is better for detecting breath and bowel sounds than the bell. This is because the diaphragm amplifies higher frequency sounds better than the bell, and breath and bowel sounds make higher frequency noises.
Cardiac murmurs:
- The bell is more sensitive for detecting cardiac murmurs than the diaphragm. This is because the bell amplifies lower frequency sounds better than the diaphragm, and cardiac murmurs make lower frequency noises.
Skin contact:
- The bell should be placed lightly on the patient’s skin, whilst the diaphragm should be pressed firmly. This is because the bell amplifies sound less than the diaphragm, so it doesn’t need to be in as close contact with the skin to hear the noise.
Size:
- The bell is smaller than the diaphragm. This is because it doesn’t need to gather as much sound, as it amplifies sound less than the diaphragm.
Weight:
- The bell is lighter than the diaphragm. This is because it’s smaller, so it doesn’t need as much material to make it.
Cost:
- The diaphragm is cheaper than the bell.
Replacement:
The bell is more likely to need replacing than the diaphragm. This is because it’s smaller and lighter, so it’s more likely to break.
Other differences: stethoscope bell vs diaphragm
- Sensitivity: The bell is more sensitive to detecting cardiac murmurs. The diaphragm is better for detecting breath and bowel sounds.
- Sounds: The bell gives a clearer heart tone, whilst the diaphragm gives a clearer lung sound.
- Ease of use: The bell is easier to use as it requires less pressure on the patient’s skin. The diaphragm requires more pressure.
- Patient comfort: The bell is more comfortable for the patient as it doesn’t require as much pressure.
When should you use a stethoscope bell vs a diaphragm
The bell of the stethoscope should be used when you need to amplify lower frequency sounds, such as heartbeats. It’s also useful for detecting softer sounds, such as those made by an infant.
To use the bell, simply place it lightly on the patient’s skin. You should hear a clear heart tone that’s louder than when using the diaphragm.
The diaphragm of the stethoscope should be used when you need to amplify higher frequency sounds, such as those made by adults and children. It’s also useful for detecting breath and bowel sounds.
To use the diaphragm, place it firmly on the patient’s skin. You should hear a clear heart tone that’s louder than when using the bell.
Key similarities between Stethoscope Diaphragm and bell:
- Use: They are used to amplify heart sounds
- Shape: Both are cylindrical in shape
- Purpose: Both are used for auscultation
- Attachment: Both are attached to the tubing of the stethoscope
https://over-the-counter-drug.com/# guaranteed suicide over the counter
https://amoxil.science/# amoxicillin 500 mg tablet price
[url=https://doxycycline.science/#]cheap doxycycline online[/url] doxycycline online
https://zithromax.science/# azithromycin zithromax
https://doxycycline.science/# doxycycline hyclate
[url=https://stromectol.science/#]stromectol[/url] ivermectin cost australia
https://amoxil.science/# amoxicillin 500 mg capsule
[url=https://doxycycline.science/#]generic doxycycline[/url] doxycycline tablets
https://stromectol.science/# buy ivermectin pills
https://stromectol.science/# minocycline generic
[url=https://stromectol.science/#]stromectol[/url] ivermectin price uk
Drug information. Long-Term Effects.
https://stromectolst.com/# ivermectin 1 cream
Read now. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Read information now.
[url=https://stromectolst.com/#]ivermectin 4000 mcg[/url]
Some trends of drugs. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
Drugs information sheet. Some trends of drugs.
https://stromectolst.com/# ivermectin 3 mg tablet dosage
Everything what you want to know about pills. Some trends of drugs.
Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Everything what you want to know about pills.
where to buy stromectol
Drug information. Everything about medicine.
Read information now. Cautions.
п»їorder stromectol online
What side effects can this medication cause? earch our drug database.
Everything what you want to know about pills. Drugs information sheet.
stromectol ivermectin 3 mg
Everything about medicine. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
stromectol generic
Read information now. Medicament prescribing information.
Some trends of drugs. earch our drug database.
[url=https://stromectolst.com/#]stromectol where to buy[/url]
Actual trends of drug. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.
Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Everything about medicine.
stromectol ivermectin 3 mg
Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
[url=https://stromectolst.com/#]stromectol tab 3mg[/url]
What side effects can this medication cause? safe and effective drugs are available.
Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Everything about medicine.
https://stromectolst.com/# ivermectin uk
Drugs information sheet. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Read information now.
https://stromectolst.com/# stromectol cvs
Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Actual trends of drug.
All trends of medicament. Read information now.
[url=https://stromectolst.com/#]stromectol ivermectin buy[/url]
safe and effective drugs are available. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Everything what you want to know about pills.
ivermectin ebay
Everything about medicine. Generic Name.
Read here. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
stromectol ivermectin
Get here. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
Some trends of drugs. All trends of medicament.
[url=https://stromectolst.com/#]stromectol over the counter[/url]
Some trends of drugs. Read information now.
Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.
https://nexium.top/# can i order nexium without dr prescription
Read here. Generic Name.
earch our drug database. Read information now.
buying cheap levaquin without insurance
Drug information. safe and effective drugs are available.
Everything about medicine. Get here. [url=https://avodart.science/#]how to buy avodart without prescription[/url]
Drugs information sheet. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
Get here. Everything about medicine.
where buy generic nexium without a prescription
Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. earch our drug database. https://avodart.science/# generic avodart without a prescription
Everything about medicine. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
Read information now. Get here.
buy generic mobic without rx
safe and effective drugs are available. Read here.
Read now. Generic Name. where to buy generic avodart without rx
Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
Get warning information here. Everything what you want to know about pills.
https://lisinopril.science/# lisinopril prescription cost
Read here. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.
Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Cautions.
can i get mobic without prescription
Generic Name. Read now.
Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
https://mobic.store/# where can i get cheap mobic without prescription
Read here. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
earch our drug database. Generic Name.
price of zestril 30 mg
Long-Term Effects. Everything information about medication.
Get here. Get warning information here.
[url=https://lisinopril.science/#]how much is lisinopril 10 mg[/url]
Cautions. Read information now.
Read information now. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
https://nexium.top/# can i buy generic nexium prices
Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Get here.
Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. safe and effective drugs are available. [url=https://avodart.science/#]can i buy generic avodart without a prescription[/url]
Generic Name. What side effects can this medication cause?
Generic Name. Read here. amoxicillin 500 mg capsule
Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Read information now.
Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Read here.
https://clomiphenes.online how to get clomid pills
Cautions. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
https://azithromycins.com/ zithromax 500 price
Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. All trends of medicament. [url=https://amoxicillins.com/]amoxicillin 500 mg without a prescription[/url]
Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Drugs information sheet.
Best and news about drug. Medicament prescribing information.
cheap propecia without insurance
Get information now. Get warning information here.
Read information now. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.
[url=https://clomiphenes.online]cost generic clomid without insurance[/url]
Get here. Best and news about drug.
Generic Name. All trends of medicament. [url=https://amoxicillins.online/]amoxicillin 500 mg online[/url]
Read now. Get here.
Some trends of drugs. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
how to get generic clomid online
earch our drug database. Read here.
Everything what you want to know about pills. Best and news about drug.
https://azithromycins.com/ zithromax 250mg
Actual trends of drug. Read now.
Best and news about drug. Get information now. amoxicillin 500 mg brand name
Read information now. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
All trends of medicament. All trends of medicament. buy amoxicillin without prescription
Read information now. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
Read information now. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. https://amoxicillins.com/ amoxicillin 500mg capsule buy online
Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
All trends of medicament. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
[url=https://finasteridest.online]where can i get generic propecia online[/url]
Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. safe and effective drugs are available.
Get here. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. https://amoxicillins.online/ buy amoxicillin 500mg canada
safe and effective drugs are available. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.
Get warning information here. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
[url=https://clomiphenes.online]where can i buy cheap clomid without a prescription[/url]
Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
Best and news about drug. Get warning information here.
cost of generic clomid
All trends of medicament. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
earch our drug database. What side effects can this medication cause?
[url=https://edonlinefast.com]buying ed pills online[/url]
Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.
Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Drug information. https://amoxicillins.com/ amoxicillin 500mg price in canada
Everything what you want to know about pills. Best and news about drug.
drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Everything what you want to know about pills.
[url=https://edonlinefast.com]best pill for ed[/url]
Top 100 Searched Drugs. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
Get warning information here. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.
https://edonlinefast.com buy ed pills online
Get here. safe and effective drugs are available.
Drug information. Actual trends of drug.
ed remedies
Read here. Everything about medicine.
Some trends of drugs. Everything information about medication.
best drug for ed
Get information now. Get warning information here.
Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Drugs information sheet.
https://edonlinefast.com best non prescription ed pills
Everything about medicine. Drug information.
Some trends of drugs. Read here.
[url=https://edonlinefast.com]new treatments for ed[/url]
Best and news about drug. Get warning information here.
Drug information. Generic Name.
https://edonlinefast.com mens ed pills
All trends of medicament. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
Some trends of drugs. Everything information about medication.
canada drugstore pharmacy rx
Drug information. Everything about medicine.
Everything what you want to know about pills. Actual trends of drug.
https://canadianfast.com/# buy prescription drugs without doctor
Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
What side effects can this medication cause? п»їMedicament prescribing information.
https://canadianfast.com/# canadian medications
earch our drug database. What side effects can this medication cause?
Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Cautions.
[url=https://canadianfast.online/#]buy anti biotics without prescription[/url]
Medscape Drugs & Diseases. safe and effective drugs are available.
Read here. Actual trends of drug.
[url=https://canadianfast.online/#]п»їed drugs online from canada[/url]
Everything what you want to know about pills. Some trends of drugs.
Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. safe and effective drugs are available.
https://canadianfast.com/# canadian medications
Get information now. safe and effective drugs are available.
Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Everything what you want to know about pills.
safe reliable canadian pharmacy
Get warning information here. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
Long-Term Effects. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.
canadian pharmacy sildenafil
Drugs information sheet. safe and effective drugs are available.
safe and effective drugs are available. Generic Name.
[url=https://canadianfast.online/#]non prescription ed pills[/url]
Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Generic Name.
Best and news about drug. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
canadian pharmacy viagra 100mg
Read information now. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
Everything what you want to know about pills. What side effects can this medication cause?
[url=https://canadianfast.com/#]buy prescription drugs from india[/url]
Everything information about medication. Medicament prescribing information.
Read now. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
canadian pharmacy sildenafil
Best and news about drug. Get information now.
Best and news about drug. Some trends of drugs.
[url=https://canadianfast.com/#]the canadian drugstore[/url]
Read here. Actual trends of drug.
earch our drug database. earch our drug database.
buy prescription drugs from canada
Best and news about drug. Medicament prescribing information.
Read now. Everything information about medication.
canadian pharmacies comparison
Cautions. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
Read information now. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
best rx prices for sildenafil
Everything information about medication. Get here.
Top 100 Searched Drugs. Read information now.
[url=https://viagrapillsild.online/#]cheap sildenafil 20mg[/url]
Read information now. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
All trends of medicament. Read information now.
https://viagrapillsild.online/# cost of generic sildenafil
Get warning information here. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
What side effects can this medication cause? Get information now.
https://viagrapillsild.online/# viagra, australia
Get information now. Everything about medicine.
Everything what you want to know about pills. Everything about medicine.
sildenafil 20 mg buy online
Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Get warning information here.
Read information now. Generic Name.
https://viagrapillsild.online/# get viagra online
Drug information. Everything information about medication.
Drug information. Get warning information here.
[url=https://viagrapillsild.online/#]buy sildenafil online europe[/url]
Generic Name. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
Drugs information sheet. Read information now.
[url=https://tadalafil1st.online/#]best pharmacy buy tadalafil[/url]
Drugs information sheet. Drugs information sheet.
Best and news about drug. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
cheap generic cialis in the us
Read information now. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Best and news about drug.
[url=https://tadalafil1st.online/#]cialis 20 mg tablets and prices[/url]
Drugs information sheet. Everything what you want to know about pills.
drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
tadalafil 40 mg online india
Top 100 Searched Drugs. Long-Term Effects.
Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. safe and effective drugs are available.
[url=https://tadalafil1st.online/#]cialis purchase canada[/url]
Cautions. earch our drug database.
Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Everything information about medication.
[url=https://tadalafil1st.online/#]where to by cialis[/url]
Read now. Best and news about drug.
Actual trends of drug. earch our drug database.
tadalafil soft tabs
Get information now. Everything information about medication.
Get information now. Generic Name.
[url=https://tadalafil1st.online/#]buy tadalafil 100mg[/url]
Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
Long-Term Effects. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.
cialis great price
п»їMedicament prescribing information. Drug information.
Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. All trends of medicament.
generic cialis florida
Read now. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
Top 100 Searched Drugs. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
[url=https://tadalafil1st.com/#]10mg tadalafil[/url]
Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Cautions.
Get here. Everything information about medication.
https://tadalafil1st.online/# tadalafil 5mg canada
Generic Name. Read information now.
safe and effective drugs are available. Read information now.
[url=https://tadalafil1st.online/#]can i take cialis with daxpoteine[/url]
Cautions. Best and news about drug.
Top 100 Searched Drugs. Read information now.
clomid generics
[url=https://propeciaf.store/]where can i buy propecia prices[/url]
[url=https://amoxila.store/]can you purchase amoxicillin online[/url]
Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Get here.
where can i buy prednisone without a prescription
Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
You have somke reaⅼly good posts and I belіeve I would bе a gooⅾ asset. If yoᥙ ever wɑnt too take somе oof
tһe load off, Ι’d absolutеly love카지노사이트 tⲟ ѡrite sߋme c᧐ntent for your
blog in exchange for a link Ьack to mіne. Please send me an email іf іnterested. Tһank ʏou!
Actual trends of drug. What side effects can this medication cause?
https://clomidc.fun/ where can i buy generic clomid without prescription
[url=https://clomidc.fun/]can i purchase generic clomid prices[/url]
Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Read here.
writing like yours nowadays.온라인카지노 I honestly appreciate people like
you! Take care!!
Everything what you want to know about pills. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
[url=https://prednisoned.top/]prednisone 2.5 mg tab[/url]
Drug information. Everything information about medication.
Read information now. Get information now.
no prescription prednisone canadian pharmacy
[url=https://propeciaf.store/]cheap propecia pills[/url]
[url=https://clomidc.fun/]buying generic clomid without insurance[/url]
Drugs information sheet. Long-Term Effects.
п»їMedicament prescribing information. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
where can i get generic propecia pill
[url=https://clomidc.fun/]where can i get clomid without prescription[/url]
[url=https://amoxila.store/]where to buy amoxicillin pharmacy[/url]
Get warning information here. safe and effective drugs are available.
Get here. Get here.
can i buy zithromax over the counter
[url=https://zithromaxa.fun/]zithromax price canada[/url]
drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
Read information now. Everything what you want to know about pills.
[url=https://clomidc.fun/]cost cheap clomid without prescription[/url]
Drug information. Some trends of drugs.
I have read your article carefully and I agree with you very much. This has provided a great help for my thesis writing, and I will seriously improve it. However, I don’t know much about a certain place. Can you help me?
Some trends of drugs. Best and news about drug.
[url=https://zithromaxa.fun/]zithromax 1000 mg online[/url]
amoxicillin 500mg price canada
Read here. What side effects can this medication cause?
earch our drug database. Get information now.
[url=https://prednisoned.top/]prednisone 2.5 mg cost[/url]
zithromax z-pak price without insurance
Everything information about medication. Get here.
Read information now. What side effects can this medication cause?
https://amoxila.store/ over the counter amoxicillin
[url=https://clomidc.fun/]cost generic clomid without dr prescription[/url]
[url=https://amoxila.store/]amoxicillin online pharmacy[/url]
Generic Name. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
It affects men’s voluptuous power gravely and leaves them온라인바카라 unsatisfied during those hidden moments. Infirm carnal life-force of men is a serious problem.
Genuinely no matter if someone doesn’t know then its up to other users that they will help, so here it occurs. “오피스북” I so much undoubtedly will make sure to do not overlook this web site and provides it a glance regularly.