Correlations of hearing tests.

IN VIEW of the vast amount of evidence accumulated during the recent war years, a revision of the interpretation of the results of the various methods employed in the testing of hearing is apparently indicated. Previous efforts to correlate the results obtained from the commonly prescribed whispered voice test, the tuning fork test and the audiometric test have led to divergent opinions. It can be clearly stated that available evidence strongly points to the need for a better understanding of the purpose of the tests and of the significance of the results. In this study the results of the three tests will be considered and their correlations discussed. The problem of hearing assumes a position of major importance in civilian industry since our recent military experiences have reemphasized the need for definitive selection of those who are to be associated with a noisy environment. The evaluation of hearing potentials must