Politzer's test - but which one? A plea for standardisation of terms in otology

Abstract

Background: Politzer's tuning fork test is a little-known special examination with a chequered history.

Objective: This paper gives Politzer's original description, and explains how he intended it to be used.

Methods: The historiographical research in this study is based on primary references. Secondary documentation is only cited when it is necessary to substantiate any historical argument.

Results and conclusion: After the apparent disappearance of Politzer's tuning fork test from the otological scene in the 1950s, its consequent resurrection was not what it seemed. This story underlines the need for a standardisation of otological nomenclature, particularly when eponyms are used.

Keywords: Eponyms; History; Otology; Politzer; Standardization; Tuning Fork Test.