What method helps to hear lower pitched sounds when using a stethoscope?

Using the bell of the stethoscope while pressing lightly is the correct method to hear lower pitched sounds. The bell is specifically designed to capture these sounds due to its unique acoustic properties. When using the bell, a light touch is essential, as it allows the device to filter high-frequency sounds and pick up lower frequencies, such as certain heart sounds and some vascular sounds.

In clinical practice, it’s important to remember that the diaphragm of the stethoscope is designed for detecting higher frequency sounds, such as breath sounds and normal heart sounds. Pressing firmly with the diaphragm can actually dampen the lower frequency sounds, making them more difficult to hear. Listening without any pressure or using the diaphragm exclusively also does not effectively allow the clinician to discern the lower pitched sounds for which the bell is better suited. Therefore, the technique of using the bell and pressing lightly is crucial for accurately assessing those specific sounds during auscultation.