Tuning Forks...

[Dwindlin]

Ok, so this may sound like a crazy question (or at least it does to me) but what exactly are the tuning forks used for in exam, and is it something you need to have one of your own?

I ask because prior to pursuing medicine I was a music major, and while cleaning out to move I found my old A440 fork I used to tune tympani with. Is this something I should hold on to, or can I pitch it like I planned?

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[turkeyjerky]

Tuning forks are used to test vibration sense, as part of the neuro exam, and to test hearing, in the Weber and Rinne tests. The ones they say to use are 128, 256, and 512 Hz. We learned how to do these tests in our clinical skills course, but they had them there for us to use--we didn't need our own. I honestly have no idea if they're used clinically or not.

 

[Gold 5]

Tuning forks are used to test vibration sense, as part of the neuro exam, and to test hearing, in the Weber and Rinne tests. The ones they say to use are 128, 256, and 512 Hz. We learned how to do these tests in our clinical skills course, but they had them there for us to use--we didn't need our own. I honestly have no idea if they're used clinically or not.

It can also help identify stress fractures that do not show up easily on x-rays. Like turkeyjerk, I don't know if this is clinically used or not.

Good Luck

 

[WellWornLad]

As mentioned, tuning forks are used mainly to test auditory conduction/sensation/CN VIII and vibratory sensation. I suppose any tuning fork will probably work in a pinch, although in med school they tend to use 128 or 512 Hz. Personally, I think it's worth getting the 128, as the lower tone is less irritating and the vibrations are more palpable. They're not expensive, in any case (< $10).

 

[Dral]

Fairly useful, and cheap. Vibratory sense is the first thing to go in diabetic neuropathy, and I used it a few times to test this in my family/ambulatory medicine clinics.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

I've found the C128 to be the most useful. I'd pitch the A440 and pick-up C128 and C512 when the time comes.

 

[njbmd]

The 128 is used for testing vibratory sense while the 256/512 is best for doing the Weber and Rinne tests. I actually use both a 128 and a 256/512though the 256/512 is only OK for testing vibratory sensation. I don't use the 128 for the Weber or the Rinne because the lower tones can be felt more than heard. I find little difference between the 256 or a 512 for Weber or Rinne.

 

[TMP-SMX]

You will need the tuning forks for your neuro rotation. You will never used it any other time besides during your second year of medical school.

Just get a 512 for the Weber/Rinne and a 128 for vibratory sense. They shouldn't be more than a few bucks each.

 

[Dwindlin]

Much thanks for all the answers.

 

[atstudent]

It can also help identify stress fractures that do not show up easily on x-rays. Like turkeyjerk, I don't know if this is clinically used or not.

Good Luck

Sorry to kind of jump in here a little bit guys, but I have seen the tuning forks used many times as one of the tests for fractures in multiple athletic training settings. I really couldn't tell you how accurate or inaccurate it is, but I've seen it more than a couple of times.

 

[Excelsius]

I can't help but think of piano tuning. If you get the A440, you can learn to tune your piano with it and make some money in medschool. I have the tuning fork, but I had no idea these are used in medicine. I don't know about you guys, but the professional tuning world has moved on from the archaic forks to computer generated sound (AND tuning). The pitch of the fork can change with temperature. Computer sound is much more stable and you can pick whatever frequency you want and make it last however long you want at any volume. It would be hilarious if doctors could use something like TuneLab in their practice! The difference between a baby grand and a patient is...

 

[WellWornLad]

I don't know about you guys, but the professional tuning world has moved on from the archaic forks to computer generated sound (AND tuning). The pitch of the fork can change with temperature. Computer sound is much more stable and you can pick whatever frequency you want and make it last however long you want at any volume.

We're not testing for perfect pitch, we just need to know if they can hear/feel the vibrations. The last thing I want in my diagnostic toolbox is another gadget running on batteries.

 

[greg1184]

You will need the tuning forks for your neuro rotation. You will never used it any other time besides during your second year of medical school.

Just get a 512 for the Weber/Rinne and a 128 for vibratory sense. They shouldn't be more than a few bucks each.

We used it MS1 when we learned the Neuro exam.

 

[Tiger26]

You will need the tuning forks for your neuro rotation. You will never used it any other time besides during your second year of medical school.

Just get a 512 for the Weber/Rinne and a 128 for vibratory sense. They shouldn't be more than a few bucks each.

Agreed--never use it for any other rotations

 

[Dwindlin]

I can't help but think of piano tuning. If you get the A440, you can learn to tune your piano with it and make some money in medschool. I have the tuning fork, but I had no idea these are used in medicine. I don't know about you guys, but the professional tuning world has moved on from the archaic forks to computer generated sound (AND tuning). The pitch of the fork can change with temperature. Computer sound is much more stable and you can pick whatever frequency you want and make it last however long you want at any volume. It would be hilarious if doctors could use something like TuneLab in their practice! The difference between a baby grand and a patient is...

I already had it, I was a percussion major and we tuned tympani with it during performances. Using a fork gives a tone while being quite enough not to project to where others could hear. I was simply curious as to whether an A440 would do what I need to in school, or if I should just pitch it. As people on here have indicated it seems others frequencies are used.

And again, many thanks to all those who have replied.

 

[MossPoh]

Man I hated tuning timpani during gigs.

 

[Dwindlin]

Man I hated tuning timpani during gigs.

lol, my prof would have just failed you for the semester in percussion for spelling it that way.

He studied under Saul Goodman at Julliard, and himself was a tympanist for several orchestras around Dayton/Cincy area.

 

[45408]

Agreed--never use it for any other rotations

I use it on surgery all the time.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I use it on surgery all the time.

Seriously? Man, maybe my sarcasm meter is off today.

I didn't even carry it in my pocket except on neuro. Even then, I probably only used it once or twice.

 

[Tiger26]

I use it on surgery all the time.

Yeah, but you're a sub-intern--you've gotta have your act together with a title like that 😀

 

[MossPoh]

lol, my prof would have just failed you for the semester in percussion for spelling it that way.

He studied under Saul Goodman at Julliard, and himself was a tympanist for several orchestras around Dayton/Cincy area.

Yea, well tympani is just a variation of it. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timpani

It doesn't really matter. I live with music grad students though, so I understand the random quirks of music people.

Julliard is as much about the name as it is the education now from what I hear. I was surprised to find out that two of my friends turned down spots at Julliard for grad school in turn for what I thought were random places at the time, like Rice for Tuba. I never realized that Rice is mecca for tuba players.

 

[Law2Doc]

Ok, so this may sound like a crazy question (or at least it does to me) but what exactly are the tuning forks used for in exam, and is it something you need to have one of your own?

I ask because prior to pursuing medicine I was a music major, and while cleaning out to move I found my old A440 fork I used to tune tympani with. Is this something I should hold on to, or can I pitch it like I planned?

I absolutely needed one for neuro and never used it for anything else. They are usually thrown in when you purchase things like otoscopes/stethoscopes if you buy them from certain vendors that will present at your school, or you can get one very cheaply on ebay or from any upperclassman who isn't going into neuro or piano tuning.