an electronic stethoscope comprises a local unit and an outer auxiliary processing unit . the local unit comprises :— a microphone ,— first coupling means that can receive an auscultation signal supplied by the microphone , and transmit it to the auxiliary processing unit , on a first link ,— second coupling means that can receive an audio signal , from the auxiliary processing unit , on a second link ,— and sound reproducing means , for reproducing an audio signal supplied by the second coupling means ; the auxiliary processing unit comprises :— receiving means that can receive an auscultation signal from a local unit , on a first link ,— processing means for processing an auscultation signal received by the receiving means , and restituting an improved auscultation signal ;— and transmitting means that can send the improved auscultation signal to a local unit , on the second link