voice tests
Last reviewed 03/2023
Voice tests are simple gauges to assess a patient's ability to hear speech.
One ear is occluded with a finger whilst numbers or words are whispered in the other ear. The patient is instructed to repeat the words or numbers as heard. This technique allows simple assessment of hearing loss across the range of frequencies used in speech.
If it is necessary to raise the voice in order for the patient to hear, one must assure the patient is not hearing with the opposite ear. This is achieved by masking the other ear with a Barany noise box - a source of loud noise.