Medical Terminology Simplified

Visual examination of the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane using

an otoscope

Otoscopic procedure that assesses the ability of the tympanic membrane to move in

response to a change in air pressure

In pneumatic otoscopy, the increase and decrease in pressure causes the healthy tympanic

membrane to move in and out. Lack of movement indicates increased impedance or

eardrum perforation.

Hearing test that uses a turning fork (instrument that produces constant pitch when

struck) that is struck and then placed against or near the bones on the side of the

head to assess nerve and bone conduction of sound

There are two types of tuning fork tests: the Rinne test and the Weber test.

Tuning fork test that evaluates bone conduction of sound in one ear at a time

(See Fig. 11–13.)

The Rinne test is useful for differentiating between conductive and sensorineural hearing

loss.

Tuning fork test that evaluates bone conduction of sound in both ears at the same

time

During the Weber test, hearing sound equally in both ears indicates normal hearing.

532 CHAPTER 11• Special Senses: Eyes and Ears

tuning fork test

Rinne

RĬN-nē

Weber

otoscopy

ō-TŎS-kŏ-pē

ot/o: ear

-scopy: visual

examination

pneumatic

nū-MĂT-ĭk

Figure 11-12Snellen chart with letters. From Med/Surg, 4 ed by

Williams, p. 1233, Fig 51.3.