Identify the reference
Two metal prongs joined at a common base. Stem for holding the instrument. Frequency is usually marked on the fork
MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUBLOOK CLOSELY / UNDERSTAND CLEARLY
Tuning fork for hearing assessment
Explain bedside air- and bone-conduction comparisons using the appropriate tuning-fork frequency.
REFERENCE GALLERY1 / 1 reference
1
Prongs
Prongs: located on the reference instrument. Compare its shape and position with the apparatus used in your practical.
Zoom in, then drag to inspect. Keyboard: + / − to zoom, arrows to pan, 0 to reset. Tap the numbered markers to explore parts.
Tuning fork — reference view
Image: Takahe · Source / original · CC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP; original colours retained.
Identify and explain
A vibrating fork generates a relatively defined frequency transmitted through air or bone.
- Two metal prongs joined at a common base
- Stem for holding the instrument
- Frequency is usually marked on the fork
Explain the measurement
A vibrating fork generates a relatively defined frequency transmitted through air or bone.
Interpret in context
Bedside tuning-fork tests support assessment but do not replace formal audiometry. The reference fork’s actual frequency must be checked.
At the viva table
Try answering aloud, then open the suggested answer. Examiner questions vary.
01 / What does Rinne compare?
Air conduction and bone conduction at the same ear.
02 / What is the usual Rinne finding in a normal ear?
Air conduction is perceived longer or louder than bone conduction under the test conditions.
03 / What does Weber assess?
Lateralisation of sound from a fork placed at the midline.
04 / Which fork is commonly used for vibration sense?
A 128 Hz fork, with comparison across appropriate bony sites.