Rinne’s test is negative in –
**Core Concept**
Rinne's test is a clinical assessment of hearing, evaluating the bone conduction of sound and air conduction, to differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This test is based on the principle that bone conduction is unaffected by middle ear problems, whereas air conduction is affected.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
A negative Rinne's test indicates that air conduction is poorer than bone conduction, suggesting conductive hearing loss. This occurs when there is a conductive lesion in the middle ear, such as otosclerosis, ossicular discontinuity, or a perforated eardrum. The stapes bone is involved in the transmission of sound through the middle ear, and any problem with the stapes can lead to conductive hearing loss.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because a positive Rinne's test would indicate that air conduction is better than bone conduction, suggesting sensorineural hearing loss.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because a normal Rinne's test would indicate that air conduction is equal to bone conduction, which is typical in normal hearing individuals.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because a negative Rinne's test is not typically associated with sensorineural hearing loss, which is characterized by poor bone conduction as well.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To remember the outcome of Rinne's test, use the mnemonic "BC > AC" for conductive hearing loss (negative Rinne's test) and "AC > BC" for sensorineural hearing loss (positive Rinne's test).
**Correct Answer: C. Conductive hearing loss**