Human voices are higher frequency than heart sounds. The average voice ranges from 85-300 Hz, while heart beats range from 20-200 Hz. This is problematic for clinicians using a stethoscope because most hearing aids are tuned to improve the volume of voices, not subtle heart beats like S3 and S4. Low-frequency hearing loss makes it particularly difficult for clinicians to auscultate with a traditional stethoscope.
Digital stethoscopes have functionality that support clinicians with hearing loss:
- Amplification and noise cancellation
- Sound visualization
- Bluetooth connection to hearing aids
- Wired connection to hearing aids
- Automated arrhythmia detection*
1. Amplification and noise cancellation
Eko stethoscopes offer up to 40x amplification, active noise cancellation, and multiple volume settings to help clinicians tune sounds as needed. It's not just about volume — our audio engineers have tuned the CORE 500™ Digital Stethoscope to provide the clearest signals without distracting background noise. For mild hearing loss, amplification by itself can help clinicians auscultate with greater confidence.
Clinicians who wear hearing aids have the option to remove their hearings aids or keep them in while using a stethoscope. The level of performance and comfort may vary depending on the type of hearing loss or hearing aid model. For severe hearing loss, the combination of amplification in the stethoscope + hearing aid can provide the best listening experience.
2. Sound visualization
Pair your stethoscope with the Eko App for the ability to visualize what you're hearing and take recordings for playback or a quick referral. Visual cues make it possible to see heart abnormalities simultaneously while listening to them. The visual waveform is so detailed that some clinicians prefer to assess patients with only visual queues.
3. Wireless connection with hearing aids
The Eko App makes it possible to wirelessly connect your stethoscope to Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants, or speakers. Sounds will stream directly to hearing aids just like music from your phone, making a smooth workflow that maximizes amplification.
How pairing works:
1. Pair your hearing aids or cochlear implants to your phone. Some manufacturers have their own apps to make this streamlined.
2. Download the Eko App and create an account.
3. Power on your Eko stethoscope and pair it with the Eko App.
4. Toggle on wireless listening in the lower corner of the Eko App.
When Bluetooth pairing is succesful, stethoscope sounds will flow from the stethoscope → Eko App → Bluetooth device. Once paired, you can lock your phone and place it in a pocket or safe location.
Alternative Bluetooth Connection:
The Eko CORE 500™ Digital Stethoscope's removable earpieces are connected with a TRS jack. You can connect a bluetooth transmitter or a hearing aid streamer directly into the CORE 500 TRS jack and bypass the Eko App. This workflow may improve your listening experience, but prevents you from using the other features of the Eko App.
Note: We have not tested Bluetooth connection with all hearing aid brands. Read results of brands we've tested.
4. Wired connection with hearing aids
Recent advancements and availability of Bluetooth hearing aids have made wired connections less common, but can still be valuable depending on type of hearing loss and hearing aid manufacturer.
As an alternate workflow, some clinicians prefer to use wired over-the-ear headphones over their hearing aids for maximum amplification and reduced background noise. This may be more comfortable with larger behind-the-ear hearing aids, or the additional noise cancellation of sealed headphones may improve the listening experience. Headphones can be plugged directly into the TRS jack of the CORE 500™ or into your phone when a stethoscope is paired with the Eko App.
5. Automated arrhythmia detection
Arrhythmia detection supported by Eko AI flags the presence of AFib, tachycardia, and bradycardia. This provides an added layer of confidence during stethoscope exams.
