Special Test (TD,SISI)
The “Special Tests” you mentioned, TD (Tuning Fork) and SISI (Short Increment Sensory Impairment) tests, are diagnostic tools commonly used in audiology to assess a patient’s hearing capabilities and detect specific hearing disorders.
The Tuning Fork (TD) test involves striking a metal instrument that produces a specific frequency and placing it on or near the patient’s ear. This test helps evaluate the patient’s ability to hear and differentiate between air conduction and bone conduction sounds. By comparing the results, audiologists can determine the presence of conductive or sensorineural hearing loss.
The Short Increment Sensory Impairment (SISI) test is used to measure the patient’s sensitivity to small changes in sound intensity. It involves presenting tones with slight, rapid intensity increments and assessing the patient’s response. This test is beneficial in identifying subtle hearing loss, particularly in cases of retrocochlear pathology or neural involvement.
Both TD and SISI tests are valuable tools for audiologists in diagnosing and understanding various hearing disorders, helping them provide appropriate treatment and management strategies for their patients.