Weber test

Weber test is a quick screening test for hearing. It can detect unilateral (one-sided) conductive hearing loss (middle ear hearing loss) and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear hearing loss). The test is named after Ernst Heinrich Weber (1795–1878).

Procedure

The Weber test is administered by placing the handle of a vibrating tuning fork on the midline of the forehead. The patient is then asked to report in which ear the sound is heard louder.

Interpretation

In a patient with normal hearing, the sound is heard equally in both ears. If the sound is heard more in one ear, that suggests either a conductive loss in the ear that hears it louder or a sensorineural loss in the opposite ear.

Conductive hearing loss

In conductive hearing loss, bone conduction is better than air conduction. Therefore, a patient with a conductive hearing loss on one side will hear the Weber test louder in the affected ear.

Sensorineural hearing loss

In sensorineural hearing loss, air conduction is better than bone conduction. Therefore, a patient with a sensorineural hearing loss will hear the Weber test louder in the unaffected ear.

Limitations

The Weber test is a screening test and is not very accurate. It can only detect unilateral hearing loss, and it cannot measure the degree of hearing loss.

See also

• Rinne test
• Audiometry
• Hearing loss

References

Weber test Resources
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