What is the expected outcome of the Rinne test in a patient with normal hearing?

In a patient with normal hearing, the expected outcome of the Rinne test is that air conduction is greater than bone conduction. This test helps differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Normally, sound travels through air better than through bone, so when a tuning fork is placed on the mastoid bone (for bone conduction) and then held in front of the ear (for air conduction), the patient should be able to hear the sound more clearly when it's in the air.

When air conduction is greater than bone conduction, it indicates that the auditory system is functioning normally. This outcome suggests that there are no limitations in the transmission of sound waves through the auditory pathways, allowing for effective hearing. In contrast, if bone conduction were equal to or greater than air conduction, it would indicate some type of hearing loss. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the expected result of intact and healthy auditory function.