Which test is primarily used to compare air conduction and bone conduction sensitivity for detecting conductive hearing loss?

The Rinne Test is a pivotal clinical assessment for comparing air conduction and bone conduction sensitivity, specifically aimed at detecting conductive hearing loss. In this test, a tuning fork is struck and placed on the mastoid bone (bone conduction) until the patient can no longer hear it. It is then quickly moved in front of the ear canal (air conduction). The results help to determine if air conduction is better than bone conduction, which would indicate normal or sensorineural hearing. Conversely, if bone conduction is better, this typically suggests conductive hearing loss.

This test is particularly effective because it allows for quick identification of the type of hearing loss by evaluating the differences in sensitivity between the two pathways—the air and bone conduction. Understanding this is crucial for audiologists as they formulate appropriate treatments based on the type and extent of hearing loss detected. Other tests like the Weber Test and Bing Test serve different diagnostic purposes and do not specifically isolate air versus bone conduction in the same way.