What is the purpose of Weber's hearing test?

The purpose of Weber's hearing test is primarily to determine if there is conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. This test involves placing a tuning fork in the center of the forehead and asking the patient where they perceive the sound. If the sound lateralizes to one side, it indicates that there may be an issue in one ear. Specifically, if the sound is heard better in one ear, it suggests conductive hearing loss in that ear; conversely, if the sound is perceived as louder in the opposite ear, it indicates possible sensorineural hearing loss in the ear that does not respond as well to the sound. This distinction is crucial in diagnosing the type of hearing impairment a patient may have.

Other options, such as assessing auditory nerve function or measuring ear canal pressure, involve more specific and distinct tests that do not relate to the mechanics of the Weber's test. Likewise, balance capabilities are evaluated through different methods that focus on vestibular function rather than hearing loss. Therefore, the core purpose of Weber's test is to identify the type of hearing loss, making the chosen answer the most accurate representation of its function.