Eko: Digital Stethoscopes
What is the noise cancellation feature like on the Eko digital stethoscope?
The noise cancellation, especially in HD mode, is excellent. It can cut through loud hospital environments like a busy ER, allowing you to isolate subtle heart sounds such as a pericardial rub that a traditional stethoscope might miss.
Can I record and save heart sounds directly to a patient's chart?
Yes, you can record a 30-second clip and save it directly to the patient's chart. This is a workflow dream for documenting tricky murmurs, as you can attach the audio so a cardiologist can hear exactly what you heard.
Why does the app sometimes freeze or stop responding to the stethoscope?
The Bluetooth connection can occasionally freeze, meaning the app stops responding to the stethoscope without actually dropping the connection. The fix is to force-quit the app and re-pair the device, which can be awkward during a patient exam.
What should I do if the app screen doesn't stay awake while I'm using the stethoscope?
This is a known annoyance where the screen dims or turns off at the wrong moment. To work around it, try adjusting your phone's auto-lock settings to a longer duration or keep tapping the screen to prevent it from sleeping while you're watching the waveform.
How does the Eko CORE compare to a traditional Littmann stethoscope?
The Eko CORE offers far superior audio clarity and noise cancellation, picking up details a Littmann simply can't. However, the Littmann is more reliable in terms of instant, bug-free use, while the Eko app can suffer from Bluetooth freezes and screen issues that disrupt your workflow.
