Many doctors like to personalize their stethoscope by putting a cover over the tube. Stethoscope covers come in many different colors and shapes. Many pediatricians use stethoscope covers shaped like animals. Other doctors like denim or cotton stethoscope covers. Stethoscope covers serve a number of purposes. For one thing, they can protect the fragile rubber tubes from wear and tear. Doctors can also identify their stethoscope by the cover if they happen to misplace it or let someone else borrow it. Many pediatricians find that kid friendly stethoscope designs can have a calming effect on nervous children.

Rubber tubes connect the earpieces and chestpiece of a stethoscope. These tubes are hollow to allow sound to pass through them. Over time, stethoscope tubes can break and tear, greatly impairing the sound quality and making it difficult for the doctor to accurately diagnose any problems the patient may have. Stethoscope covers can protect the tubes from the normal deterioration that occurs over time. The covers provide an extra layer of protection that extends the life of the stethoscope.

Stethoscopes are notoriously difficult to keep track of, especially in a busy hospital setting. Other doctors can borrow stethoscopes and forget to return them, nurses can misplace them, or patients can take them. It is a good idea for doctors to have some sort of distinguishing mark on their stethoscope to make it easier to find if it is lost or mixed up with other stethoscopes. A stethoscope cover provides the perfect identification. Doctors can easily identify their own stethoscope if it has a unique cover, perhaps even a cover with the doctor