SISI (Short Increment Sensitivity Index)
SISI (Short Increment Sensitivity Index)

Audiometer
Headphones


Soundproof booth

Computer software
Calibration equipment


Test protocol
SISI (Short Increment Sensitivity Index)

One
Prepare the patient: Explain the SISI hearing test to the patient and ensure they understand the instructions. Instruct the patient to wear the headphones and sit comfortably in the soundproof booth.

Two
Determine the starting intensity: Determine the patient's hearing threshold at a specific frequency using an audiometer. Set the intensity of the test tone to 20 dB above the patient's hearing threshold at that frequency.

Three
Present the test sound: Present the test tone to the patient for 100 milliseconds (ms) at the starting intensity.


Four
Present the comparison sound: Present a comparison tone, 1 dB louder than the test tone, to the patient for 100 ms immediately after the test tone.

Five
Ask the patient to identify the difference: Ask the patient to identify whether the second sound was louder or softer than the first sound. If the patient correctly identifies the change in intensity, increase the intensity of the test tone by 5 dB and repeat steps 3-5. If the patient does not correctly identify the change in intensity, repeat the test using the same starting intensity.

Six
Repeat the test: Repeat the test until the patient correctly identifies the change in intensity at least two times out of three presentations at a given intensity level. Record the final intensity level where the patient correctly identifies the change in intensity for each frequency tested. The results are then interpreted to determine the patient's sensitivity to small changes in sound.