Tuning fork tests

Tuning Fork Tests

Tuning Forks in Use

• 128Hz, 256Hz, 512Hz, 1024Hz, 2048Hz, 4096Hz

• Lower frequency • Bone vibration

• Higher frequency• Shorter decay time

• Not preferred

Clinically Useful Tests

• Rinne Test

• Weber Test

• Absolute Bone Conduction (ABC) Test

• Schwabach’s Test

• Bing Test

• Gelle Test

Rinne Test

• AC compared with BC

• Positive• Normal

• Sensorineural deafness

• Negative• Conductuve deafness

• False Negative• Severe unilateral sensorineural deafness

Weber Test

• Normal• Heard equally in both ears

• Conductive Deafness• Lateralised to worse ear

• Sensorineural Deafness• Lateralised to better ear

Absolute Bone Conduction Test

• Patient’s BC compared with examiner’s BC

• Normal• Same duration

• Conductive Deafness• Same duration

• Sensorineural Deafness• Shorter duration

Schwabach’s Test

• Patient’s BC compared with examiner’s BC

• Normal• Same as examiner’s

• Conductive Deafness• Lengthened

• Sensorineural Deafness• Shortened

Bing Test

• Bone conduction

• Effect of occlusion of ear canal on hearing

• Positive• Normal

• Sensorineural deafness

• Negative• Conductive deafness

Gelle’s Test

Bone conduction

Effect of increased air pressure in ear canal on hearing

Positive Normal Sensorineural deafness

Negative Ossicular chain fixed or disconnected

Thank you