Auscultation is usually conducted using a stethoscope. Where this is not possible, a graphic auscultation system can be used in conjunction with a stethoscope and provides a graphic display visualising the internal sounds of the body.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For individuals with a hearing impairment the use of a graphic auscultation system can enable them to conduct physical examinations of their patients independently and more accurately.
There are two types of graphic auscultation systems:
- systems that connect to a personal computer and record data directly from the stethoscope onto the computer for analysing
- portable handheld devices that look similar to a stethoscope but also contain a compact visual display.
Visual Auscultation devices with integrated murmur indicators are now available, waveforms are displayed on a screen, indicating the presence of murmurs.
For more information on hearing devices for individuals with hearing impairments, see the links below:
References
3M Australia 2011, Littman Stethoscopes: Sound analysis software, 3M Australia, Sydney, viewed 18 January 2011, http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_AU/Littmann/stethoscope/electronic-auscultation/software/.
HD Medical Group 2010, Our Products, HD Medical Group, online, viewed 23 April 2011, http://www.hdmedicalgroup.com/products.html.