

The point of intersection indicates the intensity of the vibrations and can be read on the scale. The vibrations create an optical phenomenon where two triangles become visible on the dampers, that overlap more and more when the vibrations decrease. The tuning fork is put into oscillation by striking it on the ball of the thumb, or by plucking the tines of the tuning fork with the thumb and index finger. How do I put the tuning fork into oscillation and how can I read the measurements? 0 corresponds to the maximum vibration strength, while 8 corresponds to minimal vibrations. The scale of the medical tuning fork ranges from 0 to 8. During the examination, the patient should have his eyes closed to fully concentrate on the vibrations. The doctor can read the measurements of that moment from the scale.

The patient indicates when he stops feeling the vibrations. The tuning fork is set into oscillation and its base is set onto the metatarsophalangeal joint. How can the Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork be applied to diagnose polyneuropathy?

For determining hearing impairment and polyneuropathy damage.With help of the tuning fork, one can determine auditory damage (Weber Test), and differentiate between middle-ear and inner-ear hearing impairment (Rinne Test). In the ENT field, the medical tuning fork can be used as an addition to hearing tests. If the values are below six, this indicates polyneuropathy. People with increasing age often show a slightly reduced vibration sensation (scale value 6 of 8). In younger people, minimal oscillations should be perceived (scale value 8 of 8). It can be used for the diagnosis of polyneuropathies (nervous disorders), which manifest themselves in a reduction of vibrational sensitivity. The tuning fork is used in neurology to test vibration sensation (pallaesthesia). The tuning fork’s dampers and base can both be removed. The Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork is used to diagnose polyneuropathy damage and hearing impairment.The calibrated tuning fork oscillates on a frequency of 64 Hz (with dampers) or 128 Hz (without dampers).
