Hearing Assessment Methods: Rinne and Weber Tests

Auditory health plays a critical role in overall well-being. Two essential diagnostic tools used in otorhinolaryngology for evaluating hearing loss are the Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests. These simple bedside assessments help differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Understanding the Rinne Test

The Rinne test compares air conduction (AC) to bone conduction (BC) of sound. It utilizes a 512 Hz tuning fork and is performed as follows:

• The vibrating fork is placed on the mastoid process to assess bone conduction.
• Once sound is no longer heard, the fork is moved near the external auditory canal to test air conduction.

Interpretation: In a normal or sensorineural hearing loss ear, AC > BC (Rinne positive). In conductive hearing loss, BC > AC (Rinne negative).

Understanding the Weber Test

The Weber test helps localize hearing loss:

• The tuning fork is struck and placed at the center of the forehead or the midline of the skull.
• The patient is asked where the sound is heard best.

Interpretation: Sound localizes to the affected ear in conductive loss, and to the unaffected ear in sensorineural loss.

Clinical Relevance

These tests are quick, non-invasive, and useful for preliminary hearing evaluations. When used together, they provide crucial insights into the type and possible cause of auditory dysfunction, guiding further audiometric assessments and management strategies.