Doctors are not the only ones who use stethoscopes.
Stethoscopes have an association with doctors, but other career fields take advantage of these listening instruments. The design of a stethoscope lets the user amplify sounds from a distance without putting his ear directly against the source, which might be inaccessible or dirty. Professionals in many fields learn to diagnose problems from the sounds they hear through stethoscopes, even if they do not listen to the human body.
Mechanics
Drivers might not always be aware of the sounds their engines make, but a mechanic knows that changes in sounds could indicate a problem. A stethoscope lets a mechanic reach deep into the engine to listen to parts creating the sounds. Using a mechanic's stethoscope, which has a long pointed metal tip for conducting sounds rather than a bell, enables the mechanic to pinpoint the exact origin of the sound and fix it.
Gardeners
A stethoscope helps gardeners and tree doctors detect the presence of insects inside of a plant. Putting the bell against a plant, sounds of the pests can be heard if they have taken residence inside the plant. For example, the University of Florida notes that the sound of giant palm weevil larvae can be heard inside a tree as they eat on the inner portions of the plant. Using this information, and other symptoms the plant presents, guides gardeners to the correct treatment options.
Plumbers
Plumbers can use stethoscopes to locate leaks in toilets and piping. An impromptu stethoscope can be made by using the property of a metal screwdriver conducting sound. This is done by holding one end of the screwdriver against a pipe or valve and the opposite against the ear to transmit the sounds. The plumber can then listen for the sounds of leaking or running water to detect a leak. Water utility workers also use a larger version of a plumber's stethoscope to find leaks in large water lines, according to the Washington Post.
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