Stethoscopes with hearing aid use: case studies

Introduction: Description for using stethoscopes adapted to hearing aids. Aim: To describe the adaptation of HAs to stethoscopes used by 2 students in the health field with bilateral hearing impairment. Case reports: Two subjects with hearing loss had their stethoscopes coupled to HAs because of the individual requirements of their professions (healthcare) to perform auscultation. Conclusion: The improvement was measured in situ, and satisfaction was evaluated using a subjective questionnaire. The use of a stethoscope coupled to an HA allowed students with hearing loss to perform auscultation.

Analysis of acoustic frequency and wave amplitude generated by the Oscillatory Thoracic Thixotropic Device (Diottix(r)) in human chest

Diottix(r) was calibrated at 25 Hz to achieve the frequency indicated in literature as being effective to mobilize the airways secretions. However, the amplitude and frequency of the waves generated by the equipment in different regions of the chest still need to be investigated. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency and amplitude of waves generated by Diottix(r) in chests of healthy subjects. Diottix(r) was used in the anterior and posterior regions of the chest. The mechanical waves were captured using stethoscopes connected to electret microphones, which were connected to a digital oscilloscope. Frequency and amplitude data were recorded by the stethoscope, positioned in six points in the anterior region and six in the posterior region of the chest, following the positions commonly used in pulmonary auscultation. Signals were recorded and transferred to a computer with software for their analysis. The frequency of waves did not present a significant change (from 24.9 to 26.4 Hz). The wave amplitude in the anterior versus the posterior region in each area of the lung, the upper, middle and lower, had differences. Diottix(r) produces frequencies in the chest according to the calibrated; thus, it can be a complementary resource to bronchial hygiene maneuvers. The amplitudes of waves seem to be affected by other structures like bone parts and heart.

Laennec, el método anatomoclínico y la invención del estetoscopio : parte 1 : de Bretaña a París, hasta la gran invención

Hasta comienzos del siglo XIX, el examen físico del paciente tenía un lugar secundario en el diagnóstico médico. El enfoque diagnóstico comenzó a cambiar a partir del método anátomo-clínico desarrollado principalmente en la Escuela de Medicina de París. En la revolución allí iniciada tuvo un papel muy destacado la invención del estetoscopio por René Théophile Hyacinthe Laennec (1781-1826). Este es un relato de la vida y circunstancias de Laennec desde su nacimiento hasta el descubrimiento de la auscultación mediata por medio del estetoscopio. En la segunda parte me referiré a la obra principal de Laennec y su impacto en la práctica de la medicina desde esta invención hasta el fallecimiento de su inspirado autor.