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In the world of amplified stethoscopes, the Thinklabs One is unique. Not only its very futurist design makes it different, but the build quality, attention to detail, and performances make it the prototype of what may be the stethoscope of the future.
This article will guide you through this amplified stethoscope that will look ideally at ease in a Sci-Fi movie or a busy ER room.
Design
The Thinklabs One portrayed itself as the “smallest and most powerful” stethoscope. Do not expect a standard design with tubing and earpieces. This round (1.8 in diameter and 1.1 in high) device fits in the palm of the hand and relies on audio earphones or headphones to transmit sound.
Designed and assembled in America, The Thinklabs One is built of high-quality materials that make it unique in the world of cheaply built stethoscopes.
The One is made of materials and components that are unique and not regularly found in stethoscopes, such as:
- sapphire crystal
- hand-polished precision-machined aluminum.
- gold-plated connectors and jacks
All of these premium materials come at a weight. Weighing 14.4 ounces, the One is a heavy device. But its unique round circular round form factor means that you will never have to wear it around your neck.
The Thinklabs One medical stethoscope incorporates a standard 3.5mm connection, which allows you to attach high-quality earbuds instead of the old-fashioned binaural tubing that was previously used. By using earbuds or headphones, you may enjoy the improved audio quality and increased comfort, a more compact stethoscope, and the flexibility to choose the headphones of your choice.
Technical
The One is meant for high power output, with specialized headphone amplifiers for each channel, and the other is optimized for low power output.
The Thinklabs One medical stethoscope incorporates a standard 3.5mm connection, which allows attaching high-quality earbuds instead of the old-fashioned binaural tubing that was previously used. By using earbuds or headphones, you may enjoy the improved audio quality and increased comfort, a more compact stethoscope, and the flexibility to choose the headphones of your choice.
If you bring your own, be sure it has adequate bass capabilities. Noise-canceling high-quality headphones will perform admirably as they will decrease the background noise, hence decreasing the signal-noise ratio. If you want to use in-ear earbud headphones, be sure that the bass quality is exceptional.
Numerous filters for better auscultation
The LED on the front display allows you to choose the frequency range you want to use precisely. As a result, background noise may be eliminated. Still, it is also feasible to choose particular heart sounds without being distracted by breathing noises when the bandwidth has been narrowed to a precise level of precision.
When sound is delivered from the diaphragm without tubing, the air’s unwanted filter may be bypassed, resulting in better sound quality. The capacitive Electromagnetic Diaphragm (EmD) of the Thinklabs stethoscope vibrates in the same manner as an acoustic stethoscope does. The mechanical vibration will be converted into an analog audio signal by the capacitive plate placed beneath the diaphragm.
The output level is entirely adjustable, and it is possible to listen to the body noises even while wearing garments. In addition, using high and low-frequency filters, the screaming of the animals’ fur may be decreased, making the Thinklabs One an excellent solution for veterinarians who need to limit the noise of their patients.
No Bluetooth included
There is no built-in Bluetooth on this device. Attaching a tiny Bluetooth transmitter to the headphone socket is a temporary workaround. Although hearing aids with Bluetooth capabilities may provide better sound quality, the limitations of the hearing aid’s sound amplification may result in less satisfactory sound quality.
Battery Life
The One is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, eliminating the need to purchase additional batteries. In addition, the USB-style charger cable and a small universal AC charger are all included with the package (100-240V).
The battery level is displayed on the same scale used to monitor volume amplification. It ranges from 0 to 10, allowing users to determine the remaining capacity quickly.
With a battery lasting up to 250 minutes and considering an average 2 mins auscultation time per patient, a fully charged Thinklabs One would provide enough power for 125 patients. In addition, several warning levels can be set to notify ahead of time when a charge is needed.
Designed with hearing aids users in mind
The One lacks tubing, and earpieces make it especially convenient for healthcare professionals suffering from hearing impairments.
Because One provides unrivaled amplification, connection, and adaptability, it offers a unique solution for auscultation that can be tailored to the specific requirements of various types of hearing aids, including a cochlear implant.
As we regularly mention, we recommend consulting with an audiologist before buying your device. As a trained professional, he will be able to help you set up both your hearing aid and Thinklabs One stethoscope in a safe and efficient way.
Great for teaching and telemedicine
Designed for the future of medicine, the Thinklabs stethoscope is a futuristic medical gadget with a unique design. The Thinklink companion app, available for both iOS and Android devices, allows you to record, share, and playback your sessions. In addition, it provides pupils with the ability to construct sound libraries and develop their auditory skills. When using the headset mode, it is possible to do auscultation while still talking on the phone, making for a collaborative exam experience.
To Wrap Up
The Thinklabs One is a digital stethoscope like no other and is an excellent example of digital health’s future. Relying on audio headphones instead or standard tubing, the electronics detect higher frequencies and provide better sound output.
The multiple filters presets are easy to access. With very few in common with a traditional stethoscope, this medical device has only setback: its price! Nevertheless, for those looking for the absolute best or for hard-of-hearing health professionals, the Thinklabs may be the One stethoscope to consider.
