Clinical Adaptation of the Minimum Speech Test Battery-Version 3

The Minimum Speech Test Battery-Version 3 for adults (MSTB-3) was released in 2024 as an evidence-based, streamlined test battery for pre-operative determination of candidacy and postoperative assessment of adult cochlear implant (CI) performance. A survey was dispersed to examine clinicians' understanding and adoption of the new protocol and gain clinical insights on its implementation.

A link to a 32-question survey was distributed to audiologists via e-mail and social media platforms, collecting responses from 307 participants practicing in various settings. The survey assessed respondents' understanding of MSTB-3 materials, participation in training sessions, and integration of MSTB-3 recommendations into clinical care. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data and identify trends.

Results indicated that 89% of audiologists were familiar with the MSTB-3, with 60% having participated in one or more training sessions. Of the respondents, 85% reported incorporating parts or all of the MSTB-3 recommendations into their practices and 75% believed it improved standardization of CI evaluations. Clinicians reported using Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word scores for CI candidacy decisions, consistent with MSTB-3 recommendations, but varied in the score criteria used to determine candidacy. Results show a trend toward more streamlined and efficient patient care delivery recommendations.

The MSTB-3 has facilitated greater consistency in CI evaluation and follow-up care, addressing historical variability in clinical practices. Its evidence-based approach, including streamlined test protocols and user-friendly tools, offers a framework for improved CI access and standardization. Further training and dissemination efforts are recommended to enhance clinicians' understanding and to address implementation challenges, ultimately advancing the quality of CI services and reducing disparities in care.