A tuning fork is a metal instrument with a handle and two prongs. The handle is held in the hand and the prongs are used for testing. Tuning Fork vibrate at a set frequency to produce a musical tone when struck The vibrations produced are used to assess a person's ability to hear sound frequencies A vibrating tuning fork held next to the ear or placed against the skull will stimulate the inner ear to vibrate, and can help determine if there is hearing loss The prongs produce a musical tune to assess the injuries within the ear. To produce a musical tune, the prongs vibrate at a set frequency How to use A vibrating tuning fork is held close to the ear or placed against the skull. It will stimulate the inner ear to vibrate and can help determine if there is a loss of hearing in a patient.