What does it suggest if a patient's Rinne test shows BC>AC in one ear?

A Rinne test is a simple clinical test used to assess hearing loss by comparing air conduction (AC) to bone conduction (BC) of sound. Normally, air conduction is better than bone conduction (AC > BC) in individuals with normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss. When BC > AC occurs in one ear, it suggests a specific type of hearing loss.

In this case, the finding of BC being greater than AC in one ear indicates conductive hearing loss specifically in the tested ear. Conductive hearing loss is typically caused by issues in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from effectively reaching the inner ear. This could involve conditions such as earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or problems with the ear structures themselves.

It’s crucial to understand that if the Rinne test results show BC > AC, this would not be indicative of normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss, which would both demonstrate AC > BC. Additionally, it wouldn't be classified as a normal variation in hearing, since a significant difference like BC > AC points to an underlying issue warranting further investigation and potential management. Thus, the observation of BC > AC in one ear is consistent with conductive hearing loss in that ear.