In the Rinne test, when the sound of the tuning fork can no longer be heard through bone conduction, normal hearing is indicated if the sound can once again be heard through air conduction.

Rinne Test

is a hearing test that compares air conduction to bone conduction of sound, used to differentiate between types of hearing loss.

Bone Conduction

The transmission of sound vibrations through the bones of the skull to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear.

Air Conduction

The process by which sound waves enter the ear through the external auditory canal and are then transmitted through the middle and inner ear.