Beyond the scope of basic audiometry, specialized tests like the Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI) and the Tone Decay Test (TDT) offer deeper insights into auditory function.

– Tone Decay Test (TDT): This test gauges how rapidly a subject’s sensitivity to continuous tones diminishes. Diagnostics for retrocochlear diseases, including acoustic neuromas and other nerve-related hearing problems, are aided by it.

The Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI) evaluates a person’s capacity to distinguish subtle variations in loudness. It aids in the distinction between hearing loss caused by retrocochlear and cochlear implants. While a low score could point to retrocochlear disease, a high SISI score typically denotes cochlear hearing loss.

When combined with normal audiometric assessments, these specialized tests offer a thorough assessment of a person’s aural health, facilitating accurate diagnosis and customized treatment regimens.