Symptoms of nerve function disorders commonly occur in vibration— exposed workers. It has been difficult to find objective methods to diagnose vibration-induced injuries, particularly disorders of the peripheral nervous system. The objective of the current investigation was to establish the vibra tion perception thresholds of persons not previously exposed to vibration, in order to develop a method for studying nerve function in vibration—exposed workers. The perception threshold (PT) and the temporary threshold shift (TTS) were determined following exposures to various vibration frequencies, intensities, and durations. A clear relationship could be established between these variables and the TTS. When compared with the control group, the vibration-exposed group possessed permanent threshold shifts (PTS) and their TTS were significantly greater, which supports the hypothesis that a causal relationship exists between nerve function disorders and vibration exposure.