Special senses: tuning fork tests: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Special senses: tuning fork tests

Sample item

A 62-year-old man's Weber test lateralises to the right ear, and Rinne test shows air conduction better than bone conduction in both ears. What is the likely diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Left sensorineural hearing loss

In sensorineural loss the Weber sound lateralises to the better-hearing ear, and Rinne remains positive (air better than bone) but both are reduced. Here the sound goes to the right, so the left cochlea or nerve is affected. Conductive loss lateralises Weber to the affected ear and gives a negative Rinne.

Option by option

  • A. Left conductive hearing loss

    Left conductive loss would lateralise to the left ear with a negative Rinne on the left.

  • B. Left sensorineural hearing loss (correct)

    Correct. Weber goes to the better right ear with a preserved Rinne pattern.

  • C. Right conductive hearing loss

    Right conductive loss would lateralise to the right ear with a negative Rinne on the right.

  • D. Right sensorineural hearing loss

    Right sensorineural loss would lateralise Weber to the left ear.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Left sensorineural hearing loss. In sensorineural loss the Weber sound lateralises to the better-hearing ear, and Rinne remains positive (air better than bone) but both are reduced.

Why is "Left conductive hearing loss" not the answer?

Left conductive loss would lateralise to the left ear with a negative Rinne on the left.

Why is "Right conductive hearing loss" not the answer?

Right conductive loss would lateralise to the right ear with a negative Rinne on the right.

Why is "Right sensorineural hearing loss" not the answer?

Right sensorineural loss would lateralise Weber to the left ear.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Special senses: tuning fork tests in Physiology. Here the sound goes to the right, so the left cochlea or nerve is affected. Conductive loss lateralises Weber to the affected ear and gives a negative Rinne.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Special senses: tuning fork tests?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.