In a Weber test for conductive hearing loss, the sound localizes to which ear?

In a Weber test for conductive hearing loss, the sound localizes to which ear?

• A. Unaffected ear
• B. Both ears equally
• C. No sound
• D. Affected ear

Answer: (D)

This question tests how the Weber test lateralizes sound with unilateral hearing loss. When a tuning fork is placed on the midline, the way the sound is heard tells you about the type of loss. In a unilateral conductive hearing loss, the ear with the problem perceives the bone-conducted sound louder—often due to the occlusion effect when the ear canal conduction is impaired. That makes the sound seem to come from the affected side. In contrast, with a unilateral sensorineural loss, the affected ear has reduced cochlear function, so the sound is perceived louder in the normal ear. If both ears are normal, the sound is heard in the midline. So the sound localizes to the affected ear in conductive loss.

This question tests how the Weber test lateralizes sound with unilateral hearing loss. When a tuning fork is placed on the midline, the way the sound is heard tells you about the type of loss. In a unilateral conductive hearing loss, the ear with the problem perceives the bone-conducted sound louder—often due to the occlusion effect when the ear canal conduction is impaired. That makes the sound seem to come from the affected side. In contrast, with a unilateral sensorineural loss, the affected ear has reduced cochlear function, so the sound is perceived louder in the normal ear. If both ears are normal, the sound is heard in the midline. So the sound localizes to the affected ear in conductive loss.