In: Anatomy and Physiology
1) What is a simple way conduction deafness can be simulated? Explain how this simulates conduction deafness. Is there a simple way to simulate nerve deafness? Why or why not?
2) Compare nerve deafness to conduction deafness.
3) In your own words, describe how the procedure for the Rinne's Test differs from the procedure for the Weber's test. What type of a result would you see from each of these tests if an individual had normal hearing?
1)CONDUCTION DEAFNESS: It is seen when there is probelm in conducting sounds and the problem is in Outer Ear, Tympanic Membrane (Ear Drum) and Middle Ear (Ossicles).
NERVE DEAFNESS: It is a type of hearing and the problem is in Inner Ear,Sensory Organs (Cochlea) and Vestibulocochlear Nerve.
2)
CONDUCTION DEAFNESS | NERVE DEAFNESS |
Involvement of Outer and Middle Ear | Involvement of Inner ear and Nerve |
Outer sounds are not audible and Inner sounds are audible | Both Inner and Outer sounds are not audible |
No Balance Problems | Balance Problems are observed |
Romberg Test is Negative | Romberg Test is Positive |
Causes are Ear Infections,Head Colds,Tumors,Allergies | Causes are Aging,Side effects of medication,Frequent Exposure to Loud Noises, Head Trauma,Genetics |
3) Weber's Test: It is used to determine the unilateral conduction and nerve deafness. In this, the tuning fork is placed on the top of the head with equidistant from ears.
Normal | Conductive Deafness | Nerve Deafness | |
Response | Sounds are equally heard on both sides | Affected ear hear the sounds strongly than the normal ear | Normal Ear sounds better and affected ear sounds lesser than normal |
Rinne's Test: It is used for comparing bone conduction and air conduction.In this,the tuning fork is placed on the mastoid process if the person says the vibration is stopped then the tuning fork is moved to the ear pinna then the person hear vibrating as the air conduction is greater than bone conduction.
Normal | Conductive Deafness | Nerve Deafness | |
Response | Able to hear after placing near ear pinna | Not able to hear after placing near ear pinna (bone conduction is greater than air conduction) | Not able to Hear on mastoid process and near ear pinna (Air and Bone Conduction are Diminished) |