In a patient with Weber lateralizing to the left and Rinne showing AC>BC in both ears, what type of hearing loss is indicated?

In this scenario, the Weber test, which shows lateralization to the left ear, indicates that the left ear is affected in some way. Specifically, if sound lateralizes to one ear, it can suggest either a conductive hearing loss in that ear or a sensorineural hearing loss in the opposite ear. However, the Rinne test provides additional information, indicating that air conduction (AC) is greater than bone conduction (BC) in both ears. This finding suggests that there is no conductive hearing loss occurring in either ear because, in cases of conductive hearing loss, BC would typically be greater than AC, especially in the affected ear.

Since the Weber test indicates that sound is perceived louder in the left ear, and given that there is no evidence of conductive hearing loss in either ear according to the Rinne test results, the more likely explanation is that the right ear is experiencing a sensorineural hearing loss. This pattern suggests that the left ear is functioning normally, and sound lateralizes to it because the right ear's sensorineural deficit is preventing it from responding to the sound as effectively.

This assessment leads to the conclusion that the correct answer fits with the identification of sensorineural hearing loss on the right side, aligning with the results of both