In the SISI (Short Increment Sensitivity Index) test, a score above 70% indicates:
- A Retrocochlear pathology
- B Conductive hearing loss
- C Cochlear pathology with recruitment (positive recruitment) ✓
- D Normal hearing
Correct answer: C. Cochlear pathology with recruitment (positive recruitment)
Explanation
The SISI test assesses the ability to detect 1 dB increments superimposed on a tone 20 dB SL. A score >70% (high SISI) indicates the patient can detect small increments, reflecting cochlear recruitment — a hallmark of cochlear (end-organ) SNHL. Normal hearing and retrocochlear lesions show low SISI scores (<30%) because they lack recruitment. This test, along with ABLB, helps differentiate cochlear from retrocochlear pathology.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.