FAQs

1. Why can’t I hear anything through my headphones?

Due to default settings of Android, you need to follow these steps in sequence, while setting up the device: 
a. Plug the microphone into jack
b. Pair your Bluetooth headphones 
c. Open the app

Check if the Bluetooth device is still paired to your mobile device or disconnected.

2. How do I reduce the background noise during auscultation?

Electronic stethoscopes are prone to higher noise levels than traditional stethoscopes. DIY stethoscope uses multiple processes to reduce interference by noise, but most efficacious is environmental noise control at source. So, just like auscultation with a traditional stethoscope, pause any unnecessary alarms during auscultation. 

While increasing the volume, first increase the volume of the earphones or the mobile device to 70-80%, before increasing the volume on the app. Volume slider on the app digitally amplifies the sound, without increasing the power output of your earphones, so signal:noise ratio is better if volume is increased on the earphones first.

Positioning the microphone within the stethoscope tubing rather than the earpiece also reduces the noise

If the ambient noise is too much, use one of the two noise reduction modes available: with the prerecorded noise profile or the adaptive noise profile

Some degree of noise is also contributed by the environmental noise directly incident upon the ear, which can be reduced by using snuggly fitting earphones, preferring headphones over earphones or using noise cancelling headphones.

3. How do I improve the quality of auscultation

Using good quality components to assemble your digital stethoscope improves the quality.. Different stethoscope give dramatically different sound output, so using a good stethoscope for your digital one, will give better output. Most of auscultation output is in low frequency bandwidth so, using earphones with good bass reproduction provides a much better auscultation experience.