WEBER’S test in otitis media will be-
**Core Concept**
Weber's test is a clinical assessment used to evaluate hearing loss and lateralize sound in patients with otitis media. It involves striking a tuning fork and placing it on the midline of the patient's head to determine if the sound is heard equally in both ears or lateralized to one ear.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
During Weber's test, sound is transmitted equally to both ears in the presence of normal hearing or symmetrical hearing loss. However, in the case of otitis media with effusion (otitis media with fluid in the middle ear), the affected ear will conduct sound more efficiently due to the increased fluid density. As a result, the sound will be perceived as louder or more intense in the affected ear, causing lateralization to that side. This is because the fluid in the middle ear acts as a conductive medium, enhancing the transmission of sound waves.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the outcome of Weber's test in otitis media with effusion.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not account for the increased sound conduction in the affected ear due to the fluid in the middle ear.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the lateralization of sound in otitis media with effusion.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In patients with otitis media, Weber's test can help differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. A lateralized sound to one ear suggests conductive hearing loss, while no lateralization or lateralization to the unaffected ear suggests sensorineural hearing loss.
**Correct Answer: C. The sound is lateralized to the affected ear.**