What materials are used in manufacturing the Littmann® stethoscope chestpieces?
A. The materials used in manufacturing the chespieces of Littmann® stethoscopes vary. The metal prtion will either be stainless steel or an alloy. This information is available in the Littmann® Product Comparision Chart. The diaphragm is composed of a composite disc, surrounded by a flexible material. The composite disc, flexible surround, and rim that holds the diaphragm to the chestpiece do not contain natural rubber latex or dry natural rubber as components. Some tunable diaphragms have a tiny pinhole in the center of the disc. This is not a defect in the product, nor does it contribute to the tunable function. This hole is a result of a manufacturing process of the product. It also helps eliminate air pressure that was created in the system when pressing down on the chestpiece. This air pressure may be uncomfortable, especially if the user has a very good seal in their ear canals as a result of the soft sealing eartips. Because this was experienced mostly in the Master Cardiology a
