The Chirp Train Streaming test. A clinical approach to auditory selectivity and listening.

Traditionally, the auditory system is considered as capable, primarily, of frequency and temporal analysis. We introduce a new test, the CTS test, using tone glides (chirps), which takes into account the ability of the auditory system to form perceptual streams. Based on Békésy tracking, the test gives an auditory selectivity index, the streaming index or STIN. The STIN value together with the tracking pattern provide insight into the nature and cause of the patient's listening problems. In this paper, we use the STIN to develop a working hypothesis about the role of middle-ear silent mucosal metaplasia in presbyacusis. The test is described in detail, and the results for 560 patients (1,109 ears) are given. The validity, reliability, limitations, and interpretation of the test are discussed.