Otology: practice question

A ENT 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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ENT · Otology

Sample item

In tuning fork testing, a negative Rinne test (bone conduction better than air conduction) with the Weber test lateralising to the same ear suggests:

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Conductive hearing loss in that ear

In conductive loss, bone conduction exceeds air conduction (Rinne negative) and Weber lateralises to the affected ear. In sensorineural loss Rinne remains positive (air better than bone, both reduced) and Weber lateralises to the better ear.

Option by option

  • A. Sensorineural hearing loss in that ear

    Sensorineural loss gives a positive Rinne and Weber to the better ear.

  • B. Conductive hearing loss in that ear (correct)

    Correct. Both findings point to a conductive problem in the affected ear.

  • C. Sensorineural loss in the opposite ear

    Weber lateralising to the same ear does not suggest sensorineural loss in the opposite ear.

  • D. Normal hearing

    Normal hearing gives a positive Rinne and central Weber.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Conductive hearing loss in that ear. In conductive loss, bone conduction exceeds air conduction (Rinne negative) and Weber lateralises to the affected ear.

Why is "Sensorineural hearing loss in that ear" not the answer?

Sensorineural loss gives a positive Rinne and Weber to the better ear.

Why is "Sensorineural loss in the opposite ear" not the answer?

Weber lateralising to the same ear does not suggest sensorineural loss in the opposite ear.

Why is "Normal hearing" not the answer?

Normal hearing gives a positive Rinne and central Weber.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology in ENT. In sensorineural loss Rinne remains positive (air better than bone, both reduced) and Weber lateralises to the better ear.

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 Otology?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT 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.