w5 - assessments Flashcards
What are the 3 binaural interaction tests?
1) the masking level difference test (MLD)
2) the listening in spatialized noise sentences test (LiSN-S)
3) binaural fusion/interaction test
What are the 2 auditory discrimination tests?
1) phoneme discrimination tasks
2) frequency, intensity, or duration discrimination tasks or difference limen tests
What is the aim of binaural interaction tests?
to assess binaural intensity and timing perception at the brainstem level
binaural vs monaural processing
Our ability to detect and interpret intensity, frequency, and timing is going to be different processing binaural vs monaural (assessing if the lower part of the auditory brainstem is able to combine the information coming from both side and come up with a unified idea based on all of the things above)
We are testing binaural advantage
binaural interaction test sensitivity
brainstem lesions (very high sensitivity)
What results are we expecting with MLD?
an improvement in signal detection in noise when the phase of the signal or noise is reversed by 180 degrees
What is being assessed with MLD?
- assess binaural integration under a masked condition
- assess interaural phase relationships at the brainstem level
What is the MLD sensitive to?
brainstem lesions
What are the 2 binaural stimulus presentations in MLD?
1) signal (nonverbal or verbal)
- a LF tone (250-500 Hz); better option
- or spondaic words (stairway, oatmeal)
2) noise
- the corresponding narrow band noise with the tone (for LF)
- or speech spectrum noise (for spondaic)
With MLD, are there better results with the nonverbal signal or the verbal signal?
- better results with nonverbal tasks (LF) than verbal tasks (spondaic)
What is the task of the MLD test (what is the audiologist doing)?
thresholding the signal with 2 dB steps, while the test begins at 60/65 dBHL
What are the 3 MLD test conditions?
1) S0N0: signal and noise are presented in phase (homophasic)
2) SπN0: signal is out of phase and noise is in phase (antiphasic)
3) S0Nπ: signal is in phase and noise is out of phase (antiphasic)
In an antiphasic condition, the signal and noise are ____ degrees out of phase
180
When signal is out of phase, results are ____ than when noise is out of phase
better
MLD test instructions
you will now hear a tone and noise through the headphones. you should only focus on the tones and press the respond button whenever it is audible.
Explain the 4 steps of the MLD test
1) obtain masked hearing threshold for the tone in the S0N0 condition
2) obtain masked hearing threshold for the tone in the SπN0 condition
3) MLD = P1 - P2
4) expectation: improvement in SπN0 vs S0N0 if the brainstem is functioning normally
For the MLD test, when the brainstem is working normally, the person is able to identify the signal at ____ frequencies
lower
Where can you access the MLD test?
1) some audiometers such as interacoustics AC40 audiometer
2) CD or USC format through auditec
MLD test example and interpretation
Example
- in S0N0 the masked hearing threshold for a tone = 60 dB
- in SπN0 the masked hearing threshold for tone at the same noise level = 44 dB (improved signal threshold)
- MLD = P1 - P2 = 16 dB
Interpretation
- MLD is lower for spondaic words (4-10 dB)
- normal MLD with tone is around 12 dB
- MLD with tone < 7 dB suggests a problem with the brainstem and binaural interaction
- this case is suspected of APD
MLD is NOT recommended in ____
peripheral hearing loss
What is the aim of the LiSN-S test?
to identify a specific subtype of APD, spatial processing disorders, or to assess auditory stream segregation skills (those who have difficulty with binaural advantage)
What is the structure of LiSN-?
using the software under headphones, the person experiences a three dimensional auditory environment
What is the 2 stimuli in the LiSN-S?
- target sentences (TS)
- competing sentences (CS)
Simply, what does the LiSN-S consits of?
4 binaural conditions created by presenting TS and CS with:
- the same or different speakers
- the same or different phase/direction of presentation
What is the age for the LiSN-S?
6-11 years
what is the LiSN-S test sensitive to?
low brainstem lesions
What are the 4 LiSN-S test conditions?
1) Same voice, same direction (very difficult; low cue SRT)
2) same voice, different directions (spatial advantage)
3) different voices, same direction (talker advantage)
4) different voices, different directions (easiest; total advantage)
Which LiSN-S test conditions have improved SRT due to release from masking?
phases 2, 3, 4 (3 conditions lead to binaural advantage)