What indicates that bone conduction (BC) is greater than air conduction (AC) during the Rinne test?

The Rinne test is a clinical test used to assess hearing loss by comparing air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) of sound. In normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss, air conduction is typically greater than or equal to bone conduction. However, when bone conduction is greater than air conduction, it indicates a specific type of hearing loss known as conductive hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted properly to the inner ear. This can happen due to issues such as earwax blockage, fluid in the middle ear, or malformations of the ear structures. In this case, the Rinne test shows that the vibrations conducted through bone (which bypasses the outer and middle ear) are perceived more clearly than those conducted through air, signalling a defect in the air conduction pathway.

Understanding this distinction is essential for diagnosis and can guide further assessment and management of hearing issues. It’s important to note that while normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss do not show this pattern, conditions like allergic rhinitis would not directly affect the results of the Rinne test, as they pertain more to nasal symptoms than auditory function.