Final answer:
The Rinne and Weber tests, utilizing a tuning fork, are used by health practitioners to differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
A health practitioner would use the Rinne and Weber tests to determine whether a patient has conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. These tests are conducted by using a tuning fork. In the Rinne test, a vibrating tuning fork is first placed on the mastoid process behind the ear. When the patient no longer hears the vibration, the fork is then moved near the ear canal. If the patient cannot hear it there, this typically suggests conductive hearing loss. The Weber test involves placing a vibrating tuning fork on the center of the forehead. Sound should be heard equally in both ears; if it is louder in one ear, this can indicate either conductive hearing loss in that ear (if louder) or sensorineural hearing loss in the opposite ear (if softer).