Tuning fork frequency for the Rinne test

A clinician places the vibrating fork first on the bone behind the ear and then beside the ear canal. You say where the sound is louder or when it stops. In a typical result, sound heard through air lasts longer or is louder than sound through bone. A different pattern can suggest a conductive hearing problem, but the test is a screening bedside check, not a complete diagnosis.

Answer the clinician's comparisons as accurately as you can and mention any one-sided hearing change, ringing, dizziness, pain, or discharge. Earwax buildup can affect sound conduction and may be checked before interpreting the result. If hearing remains reduced or the findings are unclear, formal audiometry can measure hearing across pitches and loudness levels.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, or hearing change with severe dizziness, facial weakness, or neurological symptoms. Seek care for ear pain with discharge or fever. A gradual change, persistent imbalance, or recurrent ringing also merits review, because a bedside result cannot identify every inner-ear condition.

Ask which fork was used, what your air-and-bone conduction pattern showed, whether the ear canal was clear, and whether you need a hearing test or specialist review.