Final answer:
The two major tuning fork tests are the Rinne test and the Weber test. The Rinne test distinguishes between conductive and sensorineural hearing,
Step-by-step explanation:
The two major tuning fork tests are the Rinne test and the Weber test.
The Rinne test is used to distinguish between conductive hearing and sensorineural hearing. It involves placing a vibrating tuning fork on the mastoid process and then moving it next to the ear canal. If the sound is not heard through the ear, a conductive hearing deficit is present.
The Weber test helps differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. In this test, the tuning fork is placed at the top of the skull, and the sound should appear equally loud in both ears.
With unilateral conductive hearing loss, the tuning fork sounds louder in the ear with hearing loss, while with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the tuning fork sounds quieter in that ear.
The correct answer is option 2, which refers to two major tuning fork tests known as the Rinne and Weber tests, commonly used to assess hearing.
The Rinne test differentiates between conductive hearing and sensorineural hearing loss. During the test, a vibrating tuning fork is initially placed on the mastoid process behind the ear.
When the patient no longer perceives the sound, the tuning fork is then moved near the ear canal. If air conduction (sound through the air) is not better than bone conduction (sound through the mastoid), it suggests conductive hearing loss. Meanwhile, the Weber test involves placing a tuning fork at the center of the forehead.
This test helps to determine whether the hearing loss is conductive or sensorineural, depending on how sound is heard in the ears.