A stethoscope is primarily used in the field of medicine, particularly by healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses. It serves as an acoustic medical device for auscultation, allowing clinicians to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body. This includes heartbeats, lung sounds, and bowel movement sounds, which are crucial for diagnosing various medical conditions. Stethoscopes come in various designs, including digital options that offer enhanced capabilities like sound amplification, recording, and even visual displays. Overall, the stethoscope is a fundamental tool in clinical practice, playing a vital role in patient assessment and care.