During Schwabach's test, the patient's bone conduction is reduced compared to the examiner (who has normal hearing). This finding is characteristic of which type of hearing loss?

• A Sensorineural hearing loss ✓
• B Conductive hearing loss
• C Functional hearing loss
• D Central hearing loss

Explanation

Schwabach test compares the patient's bone conduction duration with the examiner's normal hearing. Reduced Schwabach (patient hears shorter duration than examiner) indicates sensorineural hearing loss. Prolonged Schwabach (patient hears longer) indicates conductive hearing loss because bone conduction is relatively enhanced when the cochlea is otherwise normal but air conduction is blocked. This is a basic screening test.

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.