The results of experimental investigations of the influence of plastic deformation and cyclic loading on the structural state and strength properties of samples of steel and duralumin are given. The value of the acoustic anisotropy of the material, that is, the relative difference of velocities (delays) mutually perpendicular polarized shear waves propagating perpendicular to the line of loading, was used as an informative parameter of ultrasonic testing. The ability to use echo-method of nondestructive testing, by means of shear waves, for the study of elastic-plastic properties and damage of engineering material in the process of fatigue failure, is proved.