Stethoscopes & hearing aids

I have hearing aids. How do I use a stethoscope?

• Remove hearing aids and use acoustic or amplified stethoscope.

With behind-the-ear (BTE) aids, I don't find it too intrusive to slip the ear moulds out, leaving the aids hooked on my ears while I use my stethoscope. Toupee tape can prevent the aids falling off. In-the-ear (ITE) and especially completely-in-canal (CIC) aids aren't so easy to remove, but I'm told it gets smoother with practice.

• Hearing aid in one ear, monaural tubing to other ear

• Telecoil (T-switch)

If your hearing aids have telecoils (a T-switch), you can use a "silhouette."

This is like the T-link that can be used with mobile phones. It has an induction loop. Hook the silhouette over your ear(s) and turn on your T-switch. Cardionics have one to use with their electronic stethoscope and HATIS tell me their Epic is being used with electronic stethoscopes.

Silhouette for Cardionics E-Scope

• Ear tips.

Special ear tips can be used with CIC, ITC and sometimes ITE aids. They may be more comfortable than speciality earmolds. It is sometimes difficult keeping them in the correct position. (Examples) 

• Ear molds

Special earmolds (examples) designed to accept a stethoscope tip have been made. They can be made for CIC, ITC and ITE hearing aid users. Some people find the pressure on the hearing aids uncomfortable. Similar earmolds have also been made for BTE users but these seem more likely to suffer from feedback.

• Headphones can be used over CICs and ITEs, (Examples).

• Cable

Direct audio input and patch cords can be used with some hearing aids and cochlear implants. (Example)