What does the Weber test help to assess?

The Weber test is a simple, quick method used to assess hearing loss, specifically differentiating between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. During the test, a tuning fork is struck and placed at the center of the forehead or on the skull. The sound is expected to be perceived equally in both ears if the hearing is normal. If a person has conductive hearing loss in one ear, the sound will lateralize to that ear, as the background noise is less distracting, making the sound seem louder. Conversely, if the individual has sensorineural hearing loss in one ear, the sound will lateralize to the better-hearing ear. Thus, the primary purpose of the Weber test is to give insight into the type of hearing loss present, making it a valuable tool in audiological assessments.

In this context, options related to balance disorders, visual acuity, and respiratory function do not apply, as they involve completely different systems and assessment techniques.