Transcribed Image Text:**Rinne and Weber Test Results for Sensorineural Deafness**
**Scenario:**
A patient has sensorineural deafness in the right ear, while the left ear is functioning normally. This analysis details the expected results from the Rinne and Weber hearing tests.
**Rinne Test:**
- **Normal Ear (Left):** Air conduction (AC) is heard longer than bone conduction (BC), which is the normal result.
- **Affected Ear (Right):** Air conduction is still heard longer than bone conduction, which may seem similar to a normal result. However, the sound is typically softer and less distinct than in a normal ear due to the sensorineural impairment.
**Weber Test:**
- When the tuning fork is placed on the forehead, the sound localizes to the left ear (the ear with normal hearing). This is because sensorineural deafness causes the perception of sound to be less strong in the affected ear.
**Conclusion:**
These results are typical for sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear, illustrating how the sound perception in affected ears differs from those with normal hearing.
Expert Solution
Step 1
For the evaluation of hearing loss in any one ear, the Rinne test is used. One can easily detect the presence of any conductive hearing loss by comparing the sound perception which is transmitted by air conduction (AC) with those transmitted via bone conduction (BC) through the mastoid (it is the posterior part of the temporal bone).
Rinne test is always done with Weber test, in case of confirming any sensorineural hearing loss. A sensorineural hearing loss is the malfunctioning of the inner ear involving the cochlea and all associated structures.
The weber test is utilized for detecting unilateral conductive (mediated by outer and middle ear) and sensorineural hearing loss (mediated by the inner ear). When combined with a Rinne test, we can locate the exact location and the nature of hearing loss or abnormalities.
