Bing Test

The Bing test, was devised by German otologist Albert Bing. The test uses a low-frequency tuning fork to test for the occlusion effect. The tuning fork can be replaced by a bone-conduction vibrator in the audiometric Bing test.

The Bing test can simulate unilateral (one-sided) conductive hearing loss results by placing a finger in one ear while performing the Weber test.

It is a test of bone conduction and examines the effect of ear canal on the hearing. A vibrating tuning fork is placed on the mastoid while the examiner alternately closes and opens the ear canal by pressing on the tragus inwards. A normal person or a person with sensorineural hearing loss hears louder when ear canal is occluded and softer when the canal is open (Bing Positive). A patient with conductive hearing loss will appreciate no change (Bing Negative)

This text has been taken from the book Diseases of ear, nose and throat. ISBN 978-81-312-0327-9