Rinne

Rinne is a surname of Germanic and Finnish origin. It is used in several countries and may refer to different people bearing the name. In addition, Rinne is a German noun meaning groove, channel, or trough, a meaning that appears in various technical terms describing physical features or structures.

Rinne's test is a bedside procedure used in otolaryngology to assess hearing. It compares air conduction with bone conduction of a sound produced by a tuning fork. The examiner places the vibrating fork on the mastoid bone behind the ear (bone conduction) and then near the ear canal (air conduction). The patient indicates which position produces a clearly heard sound. If the sound is heard longer by air conduction than by bone conduction, the test is considered positive, which can indicate normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss. If bone conduction is heard longer than air conduction, the test is negative, suggesting conductive hearing loss. The Rinne test is a quick, simple assessment and is typically used as part of a broader evaluation, often alongside the Weber test and clinical history. It is less sensitive than formal audiometry but remains a standard teaching and clinical tool.

Etymology and usage: In German, Rinne denotes a groove, channel, or trough and is used in various terms to describe physical features or mechanical passages. As a surname, Rinne appears in Finland, Germany, and other regions and is associated with individuals across a range of fields.