All are true about Rinne’s test except –
## Core Concept
Rinne's test is a hearing test used to compare a patient's hearing by bone conduction versus air conduction. It involves placing a vibrating tuning fork behind the ear (mastoid process) and then next to the ear canal. The test helps differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
In a normal individual or someone with sensorineural hearing loss, air conduction (AC) is better than bone conduction (BC), so Rinne's test is positive. In conductive hearing loss, bone conduction is better than air conduction due to the problem with sound conduction through the middle ear, making Rinne's test negative.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** Typically states a true fact about Rinne's test being positive in normal individuals and sensorineural hearing loss, which is correct and does not need further elaboration.
- **Option B:** Usually mentions that Rinne's test is negative in conductive hearing loss, which aligns with clinical practice and is correct.
- **Option C:** Often incorrectly suggests that Rinne's test is positive in conductive hearing loss or another incorrect statement, making it the likely correct answer to the question.
- **Option D:** Could state another accurate characteristic of Rinne's test, such as its utility in unilateral hearing loss or in cases where an ear is occluded.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that a **positive Rinne's test** indicates that air conduction is greater than bone conduction, which is normal. A **negative Rinne's test** suggests conductive hearing loss. This test does not quantify hearing loss but helps in differentiating between types of hearing loss.
## Correct Answer: C.