IMPROVISED AUSCULTATION TUBE

Abstract

In the September issue of theArchives of Otolaryngology, I noted a description of an instrument devised for holding the ear piece of the auscultation tube in place in the physician's ear. For the past two years I have been using for this purpose an old stethoscope with a metal "Y" attached to the end of the auscultation tube. With this instrument the sounds produced by inflation of the eustachian tube are audible in both ears of the examining physician, and both hands are free, just as described in the previously mentioned clinical note. When part of the stethoscope is used for assembling a satisfactory auscultation tube, one instrument is utilized for two distinct purposes, and the change from one to the other can be made in a few seconds. Every physician has a stethoscope, and I cannot see the need for additional equipment when this arrangement is perfectly satisfactory.