Set of eight tuning forks, Unknown maker, 1935-1950

Made:
1935-1950 in unknown place
Set of eight tuning forks, in black leatherette case, no maker Set of eight tuning forks, in black leatherette case, no maker

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Set of eight tuning forks, in black leatherette case, no maker
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Set of eight tuning forks, in black leatherette case, no maker
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Set of eight tuning forks, in black leatherette case, no maker, 1935-1950.

These tempered steel instruments tested hearing. Each tuning fork consists of a stem with two prongs. They produce a nearly pure musical tone when struck. Each maintains a constant pitch when struck. The fork was held near the ear. The patient indicated whether he or she could hear it ringing. The set of eight tuning forks varied in pitch from the bottom to the top of the ordinary range of the ear. This let the doctor determine the range of frequencies the patient could hear. The upper range of human hearing falls significantly with age. Even teenagers can hear some high-pitched tones that adults in their 20s cannot.

Details

Category:
Audiology
Object Number:
1988-388
Materials:
forks, stainless steel, case, wood, case, leatherette and case, velvet
Measurements:
overall: 33 mm x 317 mm x 155 mm, 1.38kg
type:
tuning fork
credit:
Lux, B.