A method for determining hearing sensitivity in infants: the interweaving staircase procedure (ISP)

A computer-assisted adaptive (staircase) threshold acquisition procedure (the ISP) has been developed to determine hearing sensitivity of infants. A visually-reinforced head turn procedure is utilized. Thresholds at three frequencies are obtained with independent and concurrent staircases. Thus, motivation and attention to the task are the same for the three test frequencies. On each trial, the test frequency is randomly selected and then presented at a level determined by the response history at that frequency. The use of Probe and Catch trials permit learning and motivation to be continuously monitored. In the event of marked changes in motivation or attention, trial-by-trial history allows threshold estimates to be adjusted.