Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Whispered Voice Test

🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Stand about 0.6 m (2 feet) behind the patient so they cannot read your lips. Mask the non-tested ear by gently occluding and rubbing the tragus. Exhale fully, then whisper a short sequence of letters and numbers, and ask the patient to repeat them; if they cannot, repeat with a different sequence. Test each ear separately.

How to Interpret

Showing 0 of 1 findings
This test’s findings are all below your current evidence filter.

References

  • Pirozzo S, Papinczak T, Glasziou P. Whispered voice test for screening for hearing impairment in adults and children: systematic review. BMJ. 2003 Oct 25;327(7421):967. doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7421.967. PMID 14576249. PMC PMC259166. Open-access full text. Systematic review of studies of test accuracy; MEDLINE + EMBASE + Science Citation Index searched; cross-sectional design + audiometry reference on ≥80% participants required for inclusion.
  • McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Diagnoses

Hearing Impairment

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Finger Rub Test
Rule in:SHHearing Impairment
Rule out:VHHearing Impairment
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Rinne Test
Rule in:IEConductive Hearing Loss, IEHearing Impairment
Rule out:IEConductive Hearing Loss, IEHearing Impairment
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Weber Test
Rule in:IEConductive Hearing Loss, IEHearing Impairment
Rule out:IEConductive Hearing Loss, IEHearing Impairment
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ear Inspection
Rule in:VHAcute Otitis Media (Child), IEAcute Mastoiditis (Child), IEAcute Otitis Externa +1 more
Rule out:HAcute Otitis Media (Child), IEAcute Mastoiditis (Child), IEAcute Otitis Externa +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Otoscopy
Rule in:VHAcute Otitis Media, SHOtitis Media with Effusion, IEBasilar Skull Fracture +3 more
Rule out:VHOtitis Media with Effusion, IEBasilar Skull Fracture, IEEustachian Tube Dysfunction +2 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Cranial Nerve VII
Rule in:IEBell Palsy or Peripheral Facial Nerve Lesion
Rule out:IEBell Palsy or Peripheral Facial Nerve Lesion