Tuning forks: the problem of striking.

Tuning fork tests have accompanied us from the beginning of otology. Various methods of striking have been used during the century and the efforts to attain standardization appear to have been forgotten since audiology became available. The article reviews the history of the standardization and throws a new light on the production of overtones and air, compared to bone, conduction frequency. The article stresses the importance of tuning fork testing in clinical practice.