The Eko Core digital attachment allows adding digital amplification and noise reduction to most of the analog stethoscopes. The attachment weighs just 1 ounce. The x40 amplification is controlled directly on the attachment and is accessible but pressing a toggle. With a battery life of up to eight hours of continuous use, the Eko Core Digital attachment also connects to the Eko software for real-time visualization of the phonocardiogram. For less than $200, we highly recommend it.
Eko Core Digital Attachment by EKO
Price when reviewed: $199
The Eko Core digital attachment is as simple as revolutionary. Eko developed a device that allows digitizing any stethoscope. We ranked it as one of the best digital stethoscopes for 2021, even though it is not truly a stethoscope. The principle is to add a small, 2.8 inches (71 mm) x 0.9 inches (23 mm) and light, 1 ounce (28 grams), electronic attachment to your analog stethoscope.
Just toggling the button, the Eko Core digital attachment will enhance the amplification up to 40x, reduce the background noise by using noise-canceling technology and connect to a tablet or smartphone to take advantage of AI-powered FDA approved algorithms.
Easy to adapt and to use
The first version of the Eko Core Digital attachment was already a success, but Eko went one step further and redesigned the device to make it more comfortable and lighter. Installing it requires connecting the digital attachment to the original tubing on one side and connecting the chest piece using the adapter provided.
The digital attachment is compatible with most standard analog stethoscope brands such as 3M Littmann, ADC, WelchAllyn, Medline, and MDF. Check the full list on the EKO website.
Just like the excellent 3M Littmann Core Digital stethoscope, the Core digital attachment truly offers the best of the two worlds: analog and digital. Made of Polycarbonate thermoplastic, the attachment charges with a mini USB port and offers up to eight hours of continuous use battery. It is more than enough for several days of intensive use. It will automatically switch off after 5 mins without use to preserve the battery life.
The Eko Software as the companion app.
The Eko Core attachment allows for amplifying sound, reducing background noise, and benefiting from the mobile app. available for iOS and Android. When paired, the phonocardiogram is live-streamed on the phone or tablet and allows recording of up to 120 seconds on the HIPAA compliant Eko platform.
The Eko Dashboard offers the possibility to compare the recordings over time or share them for a second opinion. For medical students, heart sounds can be listened to and analyzed to train their ears.
The Pro Plan costs $50 per month and opens the doors to Artificial Intelligence FDA-cleared algorithms to help detect heart murmurs, Atrial Fibrillation, tachycardia, and bradycardia. For $200 per license per month, the Telehealth Plan integrated video conferring capabilities and shared the recording with the care team using a Secure, SOC 2 certified, and HIPAA compliant platform.
In a nutshell
The Eko Core digital attachment is undoubtedly the best way to get into the digital stethoscope world without having to buy a new instrument. The technology is versatile and offers numerous possibilities from amplification to a complete Telehealth platform. For less than $200, this device has a lot to offer.
