Role of the SISI test in expert evaluation of noise deafness

Background and objective. Proof of cochlear hearing loss is an essential pr erequisite for the diagnosis of noise deafness. For this purpose, the Konig steiner instruction leaflet (Konigsteiner Merkblatt) recommends among other items the SISI test. Patients/methods. The results of the SISI test at 1 and 4 kHz were analysed for 100 expert opinions of noise (200 ears). Results. 10% of the subjects showed at 1 and 4 kHz a positive and 44% a neg ative result. At 1 kHz, 46% indicated a negative result and at 4 kHz a posi tive result. In the group with a negative SISI test at both frequencies, 74 % demonstrated characteristics of pseudohypacusis. There was no correlation between a retrocochlear hearing disorder and a negative SISI test. Conclusions. Our analysis demonstrated that the negative SISI test is more often evidence of pseudohypacusis rather than a retrocochlear disorder. Con sequently, the validity of a negative SISI test is limited.