One of the most common emails we get from medical and audiology students goes something like this: "My course list just says tuning fork. Which one do I actually buy?" It's a fair question. Forks come in different frequencies, different metals and different shapes, and the wrong one can make your practical exams harder than they need to be.

So here's a plain guide to the frequencies you'll see, what each is usually used for, and how to choose without overspending. It's written for students, clinicians and vets. These are instruments for professional and educational use, and nothing here is a substitute for your own training or your course's guidance.

The short answer

If you only want one fork, ask your tutor which frequency your course teaches with. In most cases it'll be one of these two:

• 512 Hz for hearing tests such as Rinne and Weber.
• 128 Hz for checking vibration sense as part of a neurological or foot examination.

If your course covers both ENT and neuro, you'll probably end up needing both. That's why sets are popular with students.

Why 512 Hz is the usual choice for hearing tests

When you're doing Rinne or Weber, you want the patient to hear the fork, not feel it. Lower frequencies like 128 Hz produce a strong vibration that a patient can pick up through the bone and skin, which can muddy their answer. Very high frequencies, on the other hand, fade quickly, leaving you little time to compare air and bone conduction.

512 Hz sits in a sensible middle ground. It's clearly audible, it rings for a reasonable time, and it's less likely to be felt than heard. That's why it's the frequency most often taught for these tests. Some departments also use 256 Hz, so it's worth checking your own course notes.

Why 128 Hz is used for vibration sense

For vibration sense testing, the reasoning flips. Here you want a strong, slow vibration that the patient can feel when the base of the fork is placed on a bony point. 128 Hz gives a good, long-lasting buzz, which is why it's the standard frequency for this part of the neurological exam.

A 128 Hz fork can also be used for hearing tests, and plenty of people do. Just be aware of the "felt rather than heard" issue above.

What's different about a Rydel-Seiffer fork?

A Rydel-Seiffer fork looks a bit odd at first because it has small weights (dampers) clipped onto the prongs. With the dampers on it runs at 64 Hz, and with them off it runs at 128 Hz. Each damper has a printed scale, so as the vibration dies away you can read off a number rather than just noting "felt" or "not felt". That makes it useful when you want a more repeatable, recordable result, which is why it's popular in neurology and foot assessment clinics.

If your placement or course specifically mentions graduated vibration testing, this is the one to go for. Have a look at our Rydel-Seiffer 64/128 Hz fork.

Single fork or a set?

A single fork makes sense if you know exactly which test you'll be doing. Our 128 Hz stainless steel fork is a good, simple option for vibration sense and general teaching.

A set is worth it if you're studying ENT and neuro, teaching, or kitting out a clinic room. Gardiner Brown style sets are a common choice:

• The Gardiner Brown set of 3 gives you 128, 256 and 512 Hz, which covers the frequencies most courses ask for.
• The Gardiner Brown set of 4 adds 1024 Hz, handy if you're comparing responses across a wider range.

A few things to check before you buy

• Material. Stainless steel is heavier and holds its tone well. Aluminium is lighter and cheaper, which suits some students fine.
• Clear frequency marking. You'll be grabbing it in a hurry during an OSCE, so it helps if the number is easy to read on the fork.
• Your course list. If it names a frequency, buy that one. It saves you buying twice.

Looking after your fork

Tuning forks are simple, but they're easy to knock out of tune. Strike the prongs on something firm but giving, like a rubber pad or your knee, never on a desk or metal edge. Don't drop it, and don't bend the prongs. Wipe it down between patients following your clinic's cleaning policy, and keep it in a case or pouch so it isn't rattling around with your other kit.

Still not sure?

You can browse all our forks alongside otoscopes and other kit in our Medical & Diagnostic Instruments collection. And if you're stuck between two options, drop us a message with what your course or clinic needs. We're happy to point you in the right direction.