Which one of the following test is used to detect malingering –
**Core Concept**
Stenger's test is a clinical assessment tool used to detect malingering or non-organic hearing loss. It is a sensitive method for differentiating between organic and non-organic hearing impairments.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Stenger's test involves presenting a sound to the patient through a bone conduction oscillator, while simultaneously presenting a similar sound through air conduction. If the patient has a non-organic hearing loss, they will often report that they cannot hear the sound presented through air conduction. However, when the sound is presented through bone conduction, the patient's non-organic hearing loss is masked, and they may report hearing the sound through air conduction as well. This paradoxical response suggests malingering.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option B:** Buinge's test is not a recognized test for detecting malingering or non-organic hearing loss. This distractor may be intended to sound plausible, but it is not a valid option.
* **Option C:** Weber's test is a clinical assessment tool used to lateralize sound in patients with unilateral hearing loss. It is not used to detect malingering.
* **Option D:** Rinne's test is used to assess the air-bone gap in patients with hearing loss. It is not relevant to detecting malingering.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Stenger's test is a useful tool for clinicians to detect malingering or non-organic hearing loss. It is essential to be aware of this test and its application in clinical practice to avoid missing cases of malingering.
**✓ Correct Answer: A. Stenger's test**