[The fowler test (author's transl)].

On 20 patients with unilateral recruitment-positive deafness (Morbus Meniere) 4 variations of the loudness-balancing test were performed: A. Two methods with alternate tones:1st method (Jerger): alternate tones, affected ear as reference ear. Loudness on the good ear was adapted for loudness balancing(= "affected ear fixed"), 2nd method (Hood): alternate tones, "good ear fixed". B. Two methods with continuous tones: 3rd method: continuous tones on both ears, "affected ear fixed", 4th method: continuous tones on both ears, "good ear fixed". Results were compared with the corresponding data obtained with recruitment-negative patients. Statistical analysis showed that separation between recruitment-positive and negative patients was equally excellent with both methods with alternate tones. With Jerger's method (method 1) the tendency to recruitment is less pronounced. Overrecruitment does practically not exist. Under our testing conditions the standard values for positive, and also for negative recruitment (reference point 110 dB lower with method 1 (Jerger) as compared to method 2 (Hood). The different values with method 1 and method 2 were due to the choice of the affected or good ear as "fixed ear" (reference ear). Method 1 (Jerger) can be recommended for clinical use as there is less overrecruitment (unfavourable testing technique) and as an audiometer with 5 dB intensity-steps can be used.