MODEL RELEASED. Stethoscope. Patient's-eye view of a general practice (GP) doctor with a stethoscope. The stethoscope is used to listen to noises within the body. It is comprised of two earpieces connected to a round sound-detecting device (centre left) which is pressed against the patient's body. This device has a concave bell with a hole in it for listening to low-pitched sounds on one side (white) and a diaphragm (not seen) for listening to high-pitched sounds on the other. A stethoscope is useful in diagnosing respiratory ailments of the lungs and abnormalities of the heart.