Rinne's test

Rinne's test is a clinical examination used primarily in audiology to test for conductive hearing loss. The test was named after Heinrich Adolf Rinne, a German otologist, who developed it in 1855.

Procedure

The Rinne's test involves the use of a tuning fork to compare air conduction and bone conduction of sound. The tuning fork is struck and placed on the mastoid process to test bone conduction. Then, it is held near the ear to test air conduction. The patient is asked which sound is louder. If air conduction is louder, the result is positive, which is normal. If bone conduction is louder, the result is negative, indicating possible conductive hearing loss.

Interpretation

A positive Rinne's test indicates that air conduction is better than bone conduction. This is normal and suggests that there is no conductive hearing loss. A negative Rinne's test, on the other hand, suggests that there may be conductive hearing loss in the tested ear.

Limitations

The Rinne's test is not perfect and has several limitations. It cannot distinguish between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss if both are present in the same ear. It also cannot accurately measure hearing loss severity.

See also

• Weber's test
• Audiometry
• Hearing loss

References

Rinne's test Resources
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