The Frequency Increment Sensitivity Test

Abstract

Eleven normal-hearing subjects and 11 subjects with cochlear hearing loss were tested with a Frequency Increment Sensitivity Test (FIST). The FIST is an audiometric test using incremental frequency variations in a presentation and scoring method analogous to the SISI. A range of frequency increment sizes and a range of sensation levels were employed. The mean score differences between the two groups were highly significant (P < 0.001) at 20 dB sensation level with an increment size of 1.5% for 500 Hz and with an increment size of 1.0% for 1 000, 2 000, and 4 000 Hz. The FIST appears to differentiate between normal-hearing subjects and those with cochlear hearing loss.