Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use an UltraScope or MAXIScope?
Binaurals should point toward your nose and eartips should seat fully and comfortably into your ear canal opening.
Hold scope head between your thumb and middle finger. Apply (or release) pressure using index finger of the same hand. Use LIGHT pressure to start. Pressing too hard will block sound.
For the Neonatal model, hold the TUBING between your thumb and middle finger, very gently adjust pressure using your index finger where the tubing joins the head. Use either method described above depending on size of the patient.

How do I hear lung vs. heart noises with an UltraScope?
To hear HEART sounds (low frequencies) start with very LIGHT pressure.
To hear LUNG sounds (high frequencies) apply FIRMER pressure.
Use MEDIUM pressure for taking blood pressure readings.
In noisy environments, you can cup your hand over the headpiece. Be careful not to press too firmly, as too much pressure can block out all noise.

Why can’t I hear anything?
Remember: Pressing too hard will block out all sound!
Help Tips:
– Are eartips in ear canal properly? The eartips should pointed slightly away from your body.
– Try using them in the other direction. Is the fit better?
– Do the metal binaurals feel twisted in your ears? Hold both the binaurals/eartips in your hands, pointed away from your body, gently push them away from you to align, using equal pressure. Is the fit better?
– When you tap on the diaphragm, does it make a drum sound? If not, your diaphragm is loose. Tighten by holding head and turning Retaining Ring clockwise.
– Are the diaphragm and retaining ring still attached to the head of your scope? If not, see Tubing & Parts for replacements.
– Are you in a noisy environment? Place entire palm over headpiece and apply the correct pressure using the palm of your hand.
– Is pressure too light, allowing ambient noise to come in under the head?

Which UltraScope model is the best for hearing impaired individuals?
Our Classic model is typically recommended for hearing impaired or mature medical professionals. If you have high or low frequency hearing loss in either ear or have BAHA or cochlear implants, you should try our Classic Model.
About the Classic Model
Each tube on the Classic model conducts sound directly into each ear. There is no joint or “V” split to impede the sound as with single tuble assemblies. The Classic stethoscope model has an external spring binaural (metal exposed under the chin verses being imbedded in the PVC tubing) and one head with 2 stems that attaches to 2 seperate tubings. Three clamps keep the tubing aligned. The Classic is available in all sizes: Adult, Pediatric, Neonatal and MaxiScope.

Why should I try a Classic?
If you say, “My scope doesn’t sound the way it used to.”
If you have high or low frequency loss in either ear.
If you have BAHA or cochlear implants. (In-the-ear hearing aids must be removed to use an UltraScope.)
When is the Classic not for you?
Many people find assessments with the UltraScope UA single tubing model to be far superior to what they experience with their existing scope.
Customers shopping for an electronic scope have told us that the UltraScope UA model worked as well or better for them.
The sound of 2 tubings rubbing together is annoying to a listener with good hearing. That is a sure sign to stay with the UltraScope UA model.
Don’t just take our word for it, check out the Testimonials from our customers!
For all the above reasons we cannot guest which model will best suit a customer. Most Classics are painted per request so please allow extra manufacture and shipping time. Or call to see what is in stock for faster shipping.

How do I clean my UltraScope or MaxiScope?
– Use an alcohol wipe to clean the head, diaphragm, and retaining ring only. Please DO NOT soak any part of your stethoscope in liquid.
– A cloth dampened with water and antibacterial soap can be used to clean any part of your UltraScope. Wipe well with a damp cloth until all soap is removed. Dry completely.
– The tubing can be “shined” with a cloth sprayed with non-solvent or non-petroleum distillate polish such as Pledge.
Normal usage may loosen the retaining ring and eartips. Check your scope before use.

My stethoscope is broken and I need to get a replacement item, what do I do?
Most repairs are covered under our Lifetime Warranty, please see other Frequently Asked Questions for troubleshooting. If your scope does need repair, please visit the Order Parts section and select the replacement items you need. If you have any questions regarding your stethoscope parts or tubing, please call us at 800-677-2673.

I ordered the wrong item, can I return it?
We can replace or exchange unengraved stethoscopes purchased directly through us for the cost of shipping and handling. If you want to upgrade to a Duo or Trio, that will be an additional charge depending on what you need. Please call our Customer Service department at 800-677-2673 for more information. If you ordered through a vendor, please contact that company about their policies.

Where is your store located?
UltraScope, Inc. sells stethoscopes directly online as well has several store distributors. You can locate other online and in-store vendors both in the U.S. and International on our website or you can purchase in our online store.

Do you ship outside the U.S.?
Because of rising shipping charges, we encourage our international customers to contact our international distributors first. A lot of times this is more cost effective for the customer. Look for one in your country on our International Vendor page.

How much do the UltraScope and MaxiScope weigh?
Most of our models are 6 oz. and under. To find a specific model’s weight, please visit our Specifications page for UltraScope or MaxiScope.

My UltraScope paint looks different than what I saw online. What happened?
All of our designs are individually hand painted. This means that there are going to be some variations and it may not look exactly the same as the image you see online.

When trying to do blood pressure measurements, I hear extraneous noise or cannot hear well. How do I use the UltraScope to get a better assessment?
According to “Human Blood Pressure Determination by Sphygmomanometry” (AMA, 1994), the head of the stethoscope should always be placed below but never touching the edge of the cuff to avoid extraneous noise that can interfere with assessment. Make sure the stethoscope head is over the palpated artery and place the head below the edge of the cuff and apply medium pressure to the UltraScope for blood pressures.

Can I buy multiple head designs separately?
UltraScope only sells models as a whole unit. Interchanging of heads in stethoscope tubing can wear and stretch your tubing. This can cause your head piece to fall out and be lost. If you’d like to purchase multiple designs or models, consider opting for a Duo (pictured below) or Trio model that safely will allow you to interchange different head sizes and/or designs without wearing out your tubing.

Please contact our office if you would like to upgrade your single model to a duo or trio model.

Which head size do I need for my stethoscope?
Adult heads are best used on adults and animals over 45 lbs.
Pediatric head is recommended for newborns, small children and animals from 5 lbs. up to 45 lbs.
Neonatal sized heads are for premature NICU babies approximately 2 lbs.

I’m with a promotional company or would like to give out promotional stethoscopes as a gift to a doctor or nurse. Can I gift an UltraScope or MaxiScope?
Absolutely! UltraScope stethoscope gifts are compliant with AdvaMed Code of Ethics as stated in Section IX, page 8, effective July 1, 2009 as well as the new PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals. Both codes state that it may be appropriate to distribute educational items or items designed primarily for education of patients or healthcare professionals and are of value of $100 or less, and do not have value to healthcare professionals outside of their professional responsibilities. For more information or questions regardin this, please contact Melissa at 800-677-2673.

How do I track my UltraScope Order?
If you purchased your UltraScope from one of our other vendors, you’ll need to contact them about tracking information on your purchase.
However, if you purchased your UltraScope from our online store, you can log into your account and view your order status.
Click on the Shopping Cart Icon at the top of the screen that says “Shop Now”.
Click My Account on the right hand side of the blue menu bar.
Use your log in information to log in. (Or click forgotten password if you have forgotten what your log in information is.)
Once you login, you will be directed to your Shopping Cart View. From here click My Account link again.
All your orders will be listed under Previous Orders. Click View to open a detailed version of your order.
Scroll down and view Order History. If you purchased UPS as the shipping method, once it’s shipped you’ll see your tracking number and be able to track your UltraScope once it leaves our facility. If you did not choose a shipping method with a tracking number, it will give the date that the order was shipped or processed.
If you have further questions please call our Customer Service Department at 800-677-2673.

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