For Deaf students entering healthcare fields, they often encounter a common question: How will I use a stethoscope? It’s a valid concern—and one that many academic institutions may not know much about navigating this concern. The good news is that there are amplified and digital stethoscopes; however, selecting the right device isn’t straightforward. Just as there is no one-size-fits-all accommodation for deaf students, there isn’t a single, universal stethoscope that works for each deaf student. Choosing the right device involves a trial-and-error process that requires advanced planning, potential purchases, and collaboration between students and Disability Services (DS) professionals. In fact, many deaf students aren’t even aware that these types of stethoscopes exist! That’s why DS professionals play such a critical role: by staying informed about available devices, they can help students explore the different tools and set up effective accommodations across different academic and clinical environments. By working together, deaf students and DS professionals can make sure everyone has what they need to succeed in healthcare programs.
Did you know that there has been a 72% increase in deaf students enrolling or majoring in healthcare-related fields in the last 10 years?
Start the Conversation Early
This increase in enrollment highlights why medical schools/programs should review their technical standards, proactively address potential barriers, and ensure deaf students are informed of all available accommodations—particularly for essential tools like stethoscopes.
The interactive process between the student and the DS office should happen well in advance, especially if stethoscopes are required in the program. As Nancy Rennert, MD, co-chair of Stethoscope Equity Project (SEP), says, “It is a process to find the right stethoscope. We encourage those who want to join our program to start the process early on, as it can take two or three months to try all the options and decide.”
AMPHL’s president, Samuel Atcherson, Ph.D., CCC-A, FNAP, a professor of Audiology and Otolaryngology, explains, “Audiologists may be able to help find or recommend a solution that works for one’s stethoscope listening needs based on their hearing status and type of hearing devices used.” Once a stethoscope is purchased, the student may need to take it to their audiologist to configure the stethoscope with their hearing device.
Deaf students may not know they need to request amplified/digital stethoscopes ahead of time. Not having advanced planning can cause delays in clinical training, and last-minute requests may limit their options or result in purchasing a stethoscope that isn’t effective.
Starting the conversation early gives both the student and the DS office time to explore available stethoscope options, determine which model to purchase, and ensure it’s tailored to the student’s needs. Advanced planning is also crucial when preparing for clinical placements and internships. Also, If the student is responsible for purchasing the stethoscope, initiating the process with a VR office for potential funding support can take time.
Amplified and Digital: What is the Difference?
Depending on a student’s hearing level and the technology they use, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, different types of stethoscopes may be more effective than others. While the most popular stethoscopes today are both amplified and digital, it is important to understand the difference between the two.
Amplified Stethoscopes
- Designed to amplify body sounds (e.g., heartbeats or breath sounds)
- Use a built-in microphone and speaker to deliver louder sounds through traditional earpieces
- Best suited for students with sufficient residual low-frequency hearing who prefer to remove their hearing aids
When selecting amplified stethoscopes, it should be considered that the amplification levels may not be sufficient for all users, and it may not work well with hearing aids due to fit or feedback issues.
Digital Stethoscopes
- Uses electronic processing to modify and transmit sounds
- Can amplify and stream audio directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants via Bluetooth
- Best for those who want compatibility with hearing devices, visual feedback, recording features, or customized frequency filtering.
Some digital stethoscopes rely on smartphones to function fully, as they may require digital pairing with apps. Generally, if a stethoscope is compatible with hearing aids, it may also work with implant devices (such as cochlear implants, BAHAs, etc.) and various headphones or earphones. Keep in mind, some hearing device models may lack universal Bluetooth and may not be compatible with the stethoscope.
The Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses (AMPHL) has a helpful Stethoscope Comparison Table resource for understanding the features and compatibility of different models, along with a FAQ page. Former board members, Nancy Rennert and Sarah Hein, BS, MS, BSN, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, recognized that many deaf students don’t know which stethoscope works best for them, and created the Stethoscope Equity Project. “This amazing program grew out of the need for education on the different stethoscopes available to help future and current deaf medical professionals grow and prosper in their fields,” explains Sarah. The program allows students or schools to trial the stethoscopes listed in the comparison table for two weeks at a time and answer any questions they have before purchasing their own.
Who Pays for the Stethoscope?
Institutions often ask: Who is responsible for purchasing a stethoscope for a deaf student? The answer depends on the medical school/healthcare program’s policy.
- If the college purchases or loans a stethoscope to all students in the program, they must also provide an adapted version for the deaf student.
- If all students are responsible for purchasing their own, deaf students must do the same.
Purchasing an amplified or digital stethoscope can be expensive, costing far more than a traditional stethoscope. Fortunately, there are ways to offset the cost. DS professionals can help connect students with their local vocational rehabilitation (VR) office or a state technology assistance program to assist with purchasing the stethoscope. If the student is eligible, they may be able to use their state VR’s resources to help fund the purchase of a stethoscope or institutional scholarship opportunities to assist with purchasing the device. Also, if the student has an FSA or HSA account, they may be able to submit their receipt for payment under the rules of the program.
When disability services professionals and deaf students begin the accommodation process early, and spend time exploring available financial options, it supports not only the access planning needed throughout the program, but it also builds upon the skills needed for making future medical practices accessible. If you need support in having these early conversations or need guidance on accommodating deaf students, don’t hesitate to reach out to NDC’s Help Team at help@nationaldeafcenter.org—we’re here to help!
