Which test is primarily used to assess conductive vs. sensorineural hearing loss?

The Rinne test is specifically designed to differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss by comparing air conduction and bone conduction of sound. In this test, a tuning fork is struck and placed on the mastoid bone behind the ear, which assesses bone conduction. When the individual can no longer hear the sound, the fork is then positioned near the opening of the ear canal to evaluate air conduction.

If air conduction is better than bone conduction (the sound is heard again once the tuning fork is moved to the ear canal), this indicates normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss. Conversely, if bone conduction is better than air conduction, this suggests conductive hearing loss.

This clear comparison allows clinicians to effectively identify the type of hearing loss present in the patient, making the Rinne test a fundamental tool in auditory assessments.

The Weber test, while also beneficial for determining hearing loss types, uses a different method and assesses lateralization, primarily highlighting which ear has the hearing loss rather than directly comparing the two types of conduction. Otoacoustic emissions and tympanometry focus on different aspects of hearing function and ear health, respectively, rather than directly comparing air and bone conduction.