A comparison of the SISI and the stapedius reflex test in the differential diagnosis of cochlear pathology

Abstract

Previous research has cast doubt on the reliability and validity of the SISI in the differential diagnosis of cochlear pathology. This study further evaluates this test by comparing it to the Stapedius Reflex Test, a test of recruitment and cochlear pathology. Two groups of 10 subjects each were selected (36 ears). The first had cochlear pathology as detected by the reflex test, and the second, the control group, had normal ears. The results revealed that the SISI was significantly inferior to the reflex test in the detection of cochlear pathology. Possible modifications of the SISI are suggested.