Heart Sounds

The art of listening to the sounds of the heart, lungs, bowels is called auscultation. This skill is difficult for medical students to learn because it requires time and practice and a mixture of optimal conditions and knowledge of medical conditions that fit the symptoms. Students can read books, use CD-ROMs and listen to lecturers, but it takes a trained ear to diagnose heart or breath sounds.

You can create optimal audio conditions in difficult environments using products by Cardionics. This Texas-based supplier has created a line of electronic stethoscopes and auscultation systems that meet training needs in the clinic or in the classroom. One of the most significant devices the company offers for heart sound training is the Simulscope Bedside Auscultation System.

Practice Analysis of Heart Sounds

This system is ideal for training students in cardiac auscultation (heart sounds) because both the Instructor and all students can hear the patient simultaneously. The Instructor knows exactly what students are hearing. He/she can accentuate a faint murmur so that it becomes clear. The SimulScope operates on both battery or line power so it can be used in a classroom as well as the bedside. No matter where you are, you can transmit sound to your PC wirelessly or to a PDA to display a phonocardiogram for instructional purposes. Students wear a HeartMan Infrared Headphone with Individual controls to allow students to focus in on a particular sound or murmur.

Isolation and accentuation of heart sounds is made possible with eight separate discrete filters within the auscultation system. Multiple students can listen at the same time while the Instructor monitors their ability to discern various heart sounds and murmurs. This auscultation system is ideal for use with the SAM, the Student Auscultation Manikin also offered by Cardionics.