It has been already established that stethoscopes are irreplaceable. Aside from its functionality and purpose, the tool is now seen as an icon for medical professionals. However, technology has its own ways of advancing. And just like any other manual equipment or tool in various industries, stethoscopes now have innovative counterparts – the digital stethoscopes.
Apparently, electronic stethoscopes function the same way as acoustic stethoscopes. It’s just that these stethoscopes offer features that are convenient, and they are made for this very purpose.
Digital Stethoscopes And Features
It is true that electronic and acoustic stethoscopes are nearly identical in terms of their functions. However, digital stethoscopes offer several innovative features, which make them very different from the traditional types.
Here are some of the most apparent features and specifications:
- Electronic stethoscopes can amplify the sounds that the head receive
- The sounds receive can be translated into a visual display
- Audios are recordable, and some models even have replay features
- Storage via smartphone apps (dedicated application)
- The dedicated applications offer additional features like file records
- Most models can immediately translate the sounds, which saves a lot of time and effort
Some actual users see these features as great advantages of these stethoscopes. Not only that they contribute to the overall convenience and efficiency of the equipment but, these features are also reliable.
According to the users, digital stethoscopes are very reliable. Considering that they are innovative, the solutions are far more beneficial and useful in the field. Per assertions, these stethoscopes have a much more enhanced frequency range. Also, they can effectively reduce ambient noise, which is very helpful in every condition.
Drawbacks and Cons
While many individuals see the 
effectiveness of electronic stethoscopes, not all are fond of using them despite knowing how this type of stethoscope works. As it appears, there are still many medical professionals, both doctors and nurses, who take these innovative stethoscopes as less useful than the traditional types.
Not Cost Effective
Digital stethoscopes are quite expensive. The price range rises far beyond the average point of the traditional stethoscopes. So, if you are planning to purchase one for your own use, then, you must budget more than $200 to $350 today.
Aside from the expensive cost, many contend that the prices are too high that they no longer justify the value. They may have innovative features but, many take them as not suitable for their costs.
Heavy and Not Portable
It is worth noting that electronic stethoscopes require batteries to function. So, you will need to purchase these accessories as well, which also adds to the overall costs of using digital stethoscopes.
Alongside the cost, the batteries make these stethoscopes quite heavier than the non-digital types. As a result, it is not easy to carry with you at all times unlike the traditional acoustic models such as this one in this MDF ProCardial ER Premier Cardiology Stethoscope Review.
External Electronic Frequencies Interference
Given that these stethoscopes largely work with electronic frequencies, external frequencies are seen to might have interfere with the regular functioning of the tool, which is something you would not want to happen. These external frequencies may include cellphones or smartphones, and other gadgets that emit electronic signals.
If you want to learn more about electronic stethoscopes, this video might help: