Bell or diaphragm?

Do you prefer to be auscultated with the bell of a stethoscope or with the diagram? Why do prefer either of them?

I personally like the bell more. I don't really know why, but I've always found it hotter visually and somehow like the feeling of it more as well.

A thorough auscultation should incorporate both on bare skin. The bell with pick up lower pitched sounds that the diaphragm will miss, and the diaphragm will pick up higher pitched sounds that the bell will miss. Generally, the bell is better for listening to carotid arteries, the diaphragm is better for listening to lungs and bronchials, and one should listen all around the heart with both sides. When I steth a woman's heart, I normally use the bell first and then the diaphragm, but it's a matter of preference or habit as to which one is used first.

I know that both have their specific purpose. However, I was wondering whether one of the was more pleasing regarding the sensation on the skin. There are some older stethoscopes out there which only have a bell.

@S17

Merry Christmas and good evening,

I prefer the diaphram of the stethoscope. It feels so good on the skin and also has that larger surface area that makes the experience so good.

Also, I prefer to use the daiphram most for listening, with patients. I hear much more and much better, the heart sounds and noises. I find it easier to hear things that are not normal with the diaphram.

All the best to you and best regards to all.

Diaphgram. It usually feels colder.

I like both, but I prefer the diaphragm espcially if there's a nice ice cold ring on it and with the large area pressing on my skin. 😃

Prefer the bell.

I prefer to use the diaphragm when examining partners. I just find it more visually satisfying.

Diaphragm for me

I start with the diaphragm, but always return to check each auscultation site with the bell. I usually can hear S2 at the pulmonic and aortic sites more clearly with the bell.

First with a diaphragm, then duplicate with a bell. Since this is a process that can be enjoyed, I like to do it for a long time.

Mostly with the diaphragm, but some points with the bell, and, I remove the rubber ring as I love seeing my female patients flinching as they feel that cold

Diaphragm for me. Love lung auscultation /pulmonary exams

Diaphragm first bell second. Both have a great feeling on my chest.

Sorry for my newbie knowledge but can someone define both a bell and diaphragm? I have no idea what the difference is and would love to know more

The stethoscope has two different heads to receive sound, the bell and the diaphragm. The bell is used to detect low-frequency sounds and the diaphragm to detect high-frequency sounds.

I see, so are they used in different areas?

I love auscultation, but I don’t think I have a preference. Both sides have their purpose

I also prefer the diaphragm for sound, chill and touch reasons. Despite this a little complement with the bell allows a little complement.. before returning to the diaphragm.

My wife uses her Littmann Master Cardiology mostly, so it is very nice

If all this is considered as a medical game, then of course, the diaphragm and the bell sounds a little different, but if this happens in an erotic role-playing game, then there is a question of pleasantness of sensations....

I like the diaphragm because it is bigger. That is only part of it. I'm just as turned on knowing that someone can hear my heart and lungs. Whatever he needs to do to get a good listen bell or diaphragm works for me.

I‘m another one who thinks they both have their place; though sadly the use of the bell seems to be diminishing in my experience.

It’s interesting how times change; I have very faint memories of one GP using the old two-tube Rieger (or Ford) Bowles design where use of the bell was much more commonplace, another had what I believe was a Littmann and since then Littmann has become the de facto standard and use of the bell seems to have diminished, even more so with tuneable diaphragm technology.

A real pity, if you ask me, as the bell and diaphragm complement each other, both in terms of what the examiner hears and the different sensations the patient experiences…

Personally, I like both. You can hear different aspects of certain murmurs (such as mine) with both sides.

The diaphragm for me. I love how it feels on my chest, especially if it's a cold steth

I like the feel of the larger. It feels colder and more intense. I also like the look of it better. Although if both are used, it means the exam is longer and more thorough Which is always so hot. My last exam (play) used both and it was epic. The longer that steth is on my chest, the better.

Hello,

i like both. But I love a more the diaphragm because it is bigger then the bell and I like the feeling on my chest