In conductive hearing loss, how is bone conduction compared to air conduction?

In conductive hearing loss, bone conduction is greater than or equal to air conduction due to the specific nature of this type of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted effectively to the inner ear. This can result from factors such as earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or damage to the structures of the middle ear.

When evaluating hearing using the Rinne test, which compares air conduction (AC) to bone conduction (BC), bone conduction will typically be perceived as better than or equal to air conduction in cases of conductive hearing loss. This is because, in conductive loss, the pathway for air conduction is impaired while the bone conduction pathway remains intact. Thus, the sound is transmitted more directly to the inner ear via the bones of the skull, making it perceived as louder than the air-conducted sounds.

Options indicating that bone conduction is less than air conduction or that air conduction is greater fail to recognize the mechanics of sound transmission in the presence of a conductive issue. Understanding these principles is essential for accurately diagnosing hearing types and devising appropriate treatment plans.