The QuickSIN is comprised of sentences recorded in four-talker babble. It represents a realistic simulation of a social gathering, in which the listener may "tune out" the target talker and "tune in" one or more of the background talkers. Each of the twelve QuickSIN lists has six sentences, one sentence at each signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, and 0 dB. These SNRs encompass the range of normal to severely impaired performance in noise. Each sentence has five key words that are scored as correct/incorrect. A single QuickSIN list takes approximately one minute to administer and score. The QuickSIN manual contains reliability data based on the number of lists administered.

Setup:

• Connect a CD player to the speech circuit of the audiometer.
• Using the calibration tone on Track 1, adjust both channels of the audiometer to read 0 VU.
• Present the test through earphones or in a sound field with the attenuator set to 70 dB HL. For subjects with PTA hearing losses greater than 45 dB HL, set the attenuator to a level that is "Loud, but OK."
• Test monaurally or binaurally. Insert earphones (ER•3A or ER•5A) are recommended for monaural testing; their high interaural attenuation typically makes masking of the non-test ear unnecessary.

Testing:

• Administer a practice list to familiarize the patient with the task.
• Instruct the patient to repeat the sentences spoken by the target talker.
• Score the five key words in each sentence, giving one point for each word repeated correctly. Calculate SNR Loss using the formula on the score sheets.
• Use of several lists is recommended; when administering more than one list, average the SNR Loss scores across lists.

For more detailed information, see the QuickSIN Manual.