Weber's test

Weber's test is a quick screening test for hearing loss. It can detect unilateral (one-sided) conductive hearing loss (middle ear hearing loss) and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear hearing loss). The test is named after Ernst Heinrich Weber (1795–1878).

Procedure

Weber's test is performed by placing the stem of a vibrating tuning fork on the midline of the forehead. The patient is then asked where they hear the sound.

Interpretation

In a patient with normal hearing, the sound is heard in both ears. If there is unilateral hearing loss, the sound will be heard in one ear only. The ear that hears the sound in the case of conductive hearing loss is the affected ear, while in sensorineural hearing loss, the sound is heard in the unaffected ear.

Limitations

Weber's test has some limitations. It cannot measure hearing loss accurately and it cannot differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. It is also dependent on the patient's response, which can be subjective.

See also

• Rinne test
• Audiometry

References

Weber's test Resources
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