The whisper test is a standard hearing test that is performed by Medical Examiners on truck drivers as part of their CDL (Commercial Driver's License) physical. The test is used to assess the driver's ability to hear and understand spoken words in a noisy environment, such as a truck cab.
The first recorded use of the whisper test in medicine was by Dr. Frederick Barber in 1897. He described the test in an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, where he used the test to detect early signs of hearing loss in workers exposed to noise in factories and mines.
In the early 1900s, the whisper test was widely adopted as a screening tool for hearing loss in schools and other community settings. It was a simple and inexpensive test that could be performed by non-medical personnel, such as teachers and nurses.
Over time, the whisper test has been refined and modified to improve its accuracy and reliability. Different sets of words and numbers have been used, and the test has been standardized to ensure consistent results across different examiners and settings.
As part of a CDL exam, a certified Medical Examiner will perform a thorough physical exam to assess the driver's overall health and physical fitness to operate a commercial vehicle and do so per FMCSA regulations. One of the items that the Medical Examiner will cover during this exam is the whisper test.
For the whispered voice test, the driver should be stationed at least 5 feet from the Medical Examiner with the ear being tested turned toward the Medical Examiner. The other ear is covered. Using the breath that remains after a normal expiration, the Medical Examiner whispers words or random numbers such as 66, 18, 3, etc. The Medical Examiner should then ask the driver to repeat the words or sequence. The Medical Examiner should not use only sibilants (“s” sounding materials). The opposite ear should be tested in the same manner. If the driver fails the whispered voice test in both ears, an audiometric test should be administered.
It's important for truck drivers to pass the whisper test and meet all other physical requirements in order to obtain and maintain their CDL. This helps to ensure that they are physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle safely and responsibly on the road.
_______________
Are you looking for DOT certification training? The NRCME Training Institute offers accredited online DOT initial and 10-year recertification training. Providers who completed a different training program can purchase our NRCME Exam Reference Materials for $99 to be better prepared to pass the NRCME exam the first time.
As a medical provider, choosing The NRCME Training Institute to obtain your DOT training for the national NRCME exam is an excellent decision. Here are some reasons why:
- Comprehensive Training: Our training program is designed to provide you with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required to pass the national NRCME exam. We cover all the topics included in the exam and provide you with a solid understanding of DOT regulations, medical standards, and guidelines.
- Flexibility: We understand that medical providers have busy schedules, which is why our training program is flexible and can be completed online at your own pace. You can access the training material anytime, anywhere, making it easy for you to fit the training into your schedule.
- Expert Instruction: Our training program was created by experienced certified Medical Examiners who have extensive knowledge of DOT regulations and medical standards. They are passionate about teaching and are committed to helping you pass the national NRCME exam.
- Exam Preparation: Our training program is designed to prepare you for the national NRCME exam. We provide you with over 400 practice questions, which will help you assess your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement.
- Affordable: We offer our training program at an affordable price, making it accessible to medical providers of all backgrounds and experience levels.
- Support: We provide ongoing support to our trainees, answering any content-related questions they may have both during and after their training.
- CME: We offer 14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ or 14 ANCC contact hours, the most of any other NRCME training program.
The NRCME Training Institute provides comprehensive, flexible, and affordable DOT training for medical providers preparing for the NRCME exam. Our expert instruction and exam preparation materials make us the ideal choice for anyone looking to become DOT certified.
Enroll in the NRCME Training Institute today or purchase our $99 NRCME Exam Reference Materials. Call us at (941) 600-8411 for more program information and for any current single provider enrollment discounts.