Weber test

A clinical test used to evaluate hearing loss

Weber Test

Illustration of the Weber Test being performed

The Weber test is a quick screening test for hearing loss that can help differentiate between conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. It is named after the German otologist Friedrich Weber.

Procedure

The Weber test is performed using a tuning fork, typically set to a frequency of 512 Hz. The test is conducted as follows:

1. The tuning fork is struck against a surface to start it vibrating.
2. The base of the vibrating tuning fork is placed on the midline of the patient's forehead, typically on the bony prominence.
3. The patient is then asked to report in which ear the sound is heard louder.

Interpretation

The results of the Weber test can be interpreted as follows:

• Normal Hearing: The sound is heard equally in both ears.
• Conductive Hearing Loss: The sound is heard louder in the affected ear. This occurs because the conduction of sound through the bone is enhanced when the normal air conduction pathway is impaired.
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss: The sound is heard louder in the unaffected ear. This is because the affected ear has a reduced ability to perceive sound due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Clinical Significance

The Weber test is often used in conjunction with the Rinne test to help determine the type of hearing loss a patient may be experiencing. While the Weber test can provide useful information, it is not a definitive test and should be used as part of a comprehensive audiological evaluation.

Related Pages

• Rinne test
• Hearing loss
• Audiometry
• Tuning fork tests