What is indicated by a positive Rinne test in a sensorineural hearing loss case?

A positive Rinne test indicates that air conduction is better than bone conduction, which is normally expected in healthy individuals. In the context of sensorineural hearing loss, a positive Rinne test suggests that the hearing impairment is not due to an obstruction or problem in the outer or middle ear but is instead a consequence of issues with the inner ear or the auditory nerve.

In a case of sensorineural hearing loss, the Rinne test will typically show a positive result (where air conduction is perceived better than bone conduction), but the Weber test will lateralize to the unaffected ear. This is because, in sensorineural hearing loss, sounds may be perceived more weakly in the affected ear than in the unaffected ear, causing lateralization. Option C correctly reflects this understanding, as it confirms a positive Rinne (air conduction greater than bone conduction) in the presence of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, aligning with the expected clinical findings.

Understanding the relationships between these tests is crucial in evaluating hearing loss types. Thus, a positive Rinne in this scenario aligns with typical audiological findings and diagnostics for sensorineural hearing loss.