What is a positive result in a Rinne test comparison?

In the Rinne test, the comparison of bone conduction to air conduction is a standard method used to evaluate hearing. A positive result occurs when air conduction is greater than bone conduction. This indicates normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss.

When air conduction is better than bone conduction, it signifies that sound is being effectively transmitted through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear. In contrast, if bone conduction is greater than air conduction, this suggests a conductive hearing loss, where there is an issue in the outer or middle ear preventing sound from being transmitted effectively through the air.

Having no hearing in the affected ear refers to a complete loss of sound perception, which does not provide information on the relative conduction of sound through air and bone. Equal conduction in both ears would suggest a normal hearing profile or symmetrical hearing loss, but it doesn’t highlight the distinction necessary to identify the nature of a hearing issue, which is the primary purpose of the Rinne test. Thus, the identification that air conduction being greater than bone conduction represents a positive Rinne test is essential for understanding hearing function.