Background: Tuning fork tests are commonly performed for bedside evaluation of hearing. There is a controversy about
the most useful frequency of tuning fork for the bedside testing of hearing.
Methods: In the present study, the sensitivity
and specificity of Rinne and Weber test were calculated using 128, 256, 512, and 1024 frequencies in 50 successive patients
referred for evaluation of hearing. Pure tone audiometry formed the standard reference.
Results: Rinne test showed poor sensitivity (32%, 32%, 17%, and 15% with 128 Hz, 256, 512, and 1024 Hz tuning forks, respectively), but good specificity
(98%) for detecting conducting hearing loss. Weber test showed good sensitivity for detecting unilateral hearing loss (71%,
92%, 85%, and 71%) and poor specificity (44-50%). Sensitivity improved with higher degrees of hearing loss.
Conslusions: The present study found that the 256 Hz tuning fork was more sensitive than the 128, 512, and 1024 Hz forks for evaluation of
Rinne as well as Weber test. Hence, 256 seems to be the most suitable frequency for bedside testing of hearing.
Key words: Tuning fork test, Frequency, Sensorineural hearing loss