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 simulators and manikins by Cardionics. This Texas-based supplier has created a line ofsimulators, manikins and electronic stethoscopes that meet training needs at the bedside, classroom or auditorium. 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 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 at the bedside. No matter where you are, you can transmit sound to your PC wirelessly or to connect to a PDA to display a phonocardiogram for instructional purposes

Students wear a HeartMan Infrared Headphone with Individual control which allows students to focus in on a particular sound or murmur.

Isolation and accentuation of heart sounds is made possible with eight separate discrete filters. 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 or with the CardioSim VII Digital Heart Sound Simulator.

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