During a Rinne test, a tuning fork (512 Hz) is held on the mastoid process until the patient no longer hears it, then the fork is placed near the ear canal without re-striking. The patient reports hearing the fork again when placed near the ear. What is the correct interpretation?
- A Rinne negative (bone conduction > air conduction); conductive hearing loss
- B Rinne positive (air conduction > bone conduction); normal or sensorineural hearing loss ✓
- C Rinne equivocal; severe sensorineural hearing loss
- D Rinne negative; cochlear otosclerosis
Correct answer: B. Rinne positive (air conduction > bone conduction); normal or sensorineural hearing loss
Explanation
Rinne positive means air conduction is heard longer than bone conduction after the patient stops hearing it on the mastoid. This is the normal finding and is also seen in sensorineural hearing loss (where both AC and BC are reduced but AC still exceeds BC). Rinne negative (BC > AC) indicates at least 15-20 dB conductive hearing loss. The key point: the fork is NOT re-striking when moved to the ear canal.
Reference: Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.