DIY Corner : Make your own Stethoscope at Home
Do you know the theme of World Health Day 2020?
The World Health Organization has declared 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife to celebrate the critical role these healthcare workers play in keeping everyone healthy. Especially in trying times (COVID-19) like these, the healthcare workers are fighting in the front line risking their lives to save others by providing the best healthcare.
On the occasion of World Health Day, let’s learn about an interesting tool used by health workers – STETHOSCOPE!
But first, let’s understand,
What is a Stethoscope?
A stethoscope is a device doctors use to listen to the action of one’s heart, lungs, and blood flow in arteries and veins. It has a small dice-shaped resonator placed on the surface of the skin and two tubes that connect to the listener’s ears. It was invented by René Laennec, a French doctor, in 1816.
Today, we cannot imagine doctors without their white coats and a stethoscope around their neck. But it’s not just confined to doctors alone. A stethoscope is also used as a diagnostic tool by nurses, paramedics, and vets.
Now that you know about a stethoscope and its use, what if we told you that you can make one for yourself at home?
Do It Yourself Stethoscope
Here’s how you can make a stethoscope at home
Steps to follow:
Cut the end of the balloons. - Take one funnel. Pull one balloon over the larger opening of the funnel. Make sure you pull the balloon tight enough so that it stretches over the funnel, like a drum.
- Secure the balloon with electrical tape.
- Stick the smaller end of the funnel to the plastic tube. (Ensure that your plastic tube is clear and flexible). Secure the joining section of the funnel and the tube with the electrical tape.
- Now, you have one side of the stethoscope ready.
- Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 on the other end of the plastic tube for the other side.
- Voila! Your stethoscope is ready!
- Find a quiet place in your house to test the stethoscope.
- Place the balloon end of one side of the tube over your heart and listen through the other end. In case the sound is too faint, try exercising for a minute and listen to your heartbeat again.
A homemade stethoscope is a great way to learn about how heart rates are different for different people. For example, you can count the number of times your heart beats within a minute as opposed to your parents.
Will you make this stethoscope? What kind of sounds will you listen to with your stethoscope? Do let us know in the comments below.
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