What does the Schwabach test compare?

The Schwabach test is designed to evaluate bone conduction hearing. In this test, the examiner and the patient both hear the sound produced by a tuning fork, which is placed on the mastoid bone. The test primarily compares the duration for which both the examiner and the patient can hear the sound to assess the patient's bone conduction relative to that of the examiner. This comparison is crucial as it helps in diagnosing the type and degree of hearing loss a patient may be experiencing. By focusing on bone conduction, the Schwabach test differentiates between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, making it an essential component of audiological assessment.