Hearing Tests

Question 1

What is the Rinne test? How can you interpret its findings?

Answer 1

• Tuning fork placed on mastoid and then when no longer heard moved to beside the pinna of the ear
• Perform in conjunction with a Weber test
• If the AC is louder than BC (positive Rinne) either the ear is normal or there is a sensorineural defect (decreasing AC and BC equally)
• If the BC is louder than the AC (negative Rinne) then there is a conduction defect as bone transmission to the nerve is intact

Question 2

What is the Weber test? How can you interpret its findings?

Answer 2

• Tuning fork placed in the centre of the forehead
• Lateralisation towards an affected ear indicates conductive hearing loss (bone conduction to nerve intact)
• Lateralisation towards the unaffected ear indicates sensorineural hearing loss
• Confirm with a follow-up Rinne test