Detecting non-valid hearing tests in industry.

As greater numbers of workers come under industrial hearing conservation programs, the problem of nonorganic hearing loss is become critical. The potential malingerer can be identified by behavioral observations both before and during the testing of hearing and by an analysis of test results. Manual, self-recording, and microprocessor audiometry all incorporate validity and reliability checks which assist in detecting the malingerer. Methods of documenting inaccurate hearing tests are detailed, along with ways of obtaining accurate follow-up tests. The key to alleviating the problem of malingering is early detection and immediate resolution of the problem.