Detecting industrial hearing loss by whispered voice test with masking

Early detection of slight hearing loss in industrial workers can be very rewarding as suitable preventive and corrective steps can be taken to stop further deterioration. Audiometry remains the gold standard, but it can possibly be replaced by 'whispered voice test with masking' as the initial tool. This test specially developed for this dissertation, finds just a single trained person can perform this simple test, by standing facing the individual being tested and whispering through a half face mask which effectively prevents lip reading. Masking and whispering can be done simultaneously by the observer by holding a 5 X 3 inch paper strip against the external ear, and rubbing a finger over it in small circles. This test was found to be quick, cheap, and a reliable modality of checking hearing loss of the workers in stone crushing industry. As a mark of respect to his guide, Dr. Rajesh Chauhan has named this test as Dr. Sudhanshu Saini's test. With further research and necessary improvements, this simple test can possibly stand the test of time, and can also be used elsewhere as well for its ease and reliability.