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ICIT MSTB-3 Suite
for audiologists
For a limited time, the full test suite is available at no cost thanks to the generous support of the MSTB sponsors.
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MSTB-3 Manual
Protocols
Recorded Materials
Scoresheets
Report Templates
PROMs
MSTB-3 Manuscript
Instruction Video
MSTB-3 Clinical Manual
The MSTB-3 Manual is a detailed document that contains a great deal of information regarding test materials and considerations for working with CI patients. It includes a historical overview of how the Minimum Speech Test Battery (MSTB) has evolved over time, including information regarding how this version differs from previous versions. The manual includes sections that will help you in your clinical practice, including a description of Referral Guidelines, Calibration, test administration and scoring, an overview of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), consideration for cognitive screening, a description of procedures that should be included in preoperative determination of cochlear implant candidacy of traditional patients as well as those who may qualify for Electro-Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) or those with Asymmetric Hearing Loss (AHL) or Single Sided Deafness (SSD). It additionally provides clinical guidance related to post-operative evaluation of CI recipients. Lastly, the manual includes supplemental literature reviews that were provided by MSTB-3 panel members during development of the MSTB-3. The MSTB-3 manual concludes with a detailed list of references to support the clinical recommendations made in the MSTB-3.
MSTB-3 Clinical Manual
Protocols
One of the goals of developing the MSTB-3 was to provide clinicians with step-by-step guidance regarding the minimum test battery that can be used with most patients to determine if they are a candidate for a cochlear implant and to evaluate performance after they have received a CI. This includes protocols that guide clinicians through the various test procedures that should be included in pre-operative determination of CI candidacy and the post-operative evaluation of CI performance.
Pre-Op Evaluation
Post-Op Performance
Flowcharts
These visual diagrams can be used by clinicians to guide them from one step to the next as they evaluate pre-operative candidacy or post-operative performance.
Pre-Op Evaluation
Pre-Op Evaluation SSD
Post-Op Performance
Downloadable Tests
Here you will find downloadable MP3 and WAV files of the two speech recognition tests of the MSTB-3: the CNC Monosyllabic Words Test and the AzBio Sentences test. You will need to view and accept the terms of use prior to downloading the AzBio Sentences.
UPDATE, July 16, 2024: There is an updated calibration file for the AzBio Sentences with Noise. The download folders containing AzBio Sentences with Noise previously included a Broadband Noise for Sound Field Calibration file. Although this file could also be used for calibration, the Speech-Weighted Sound Field Calibration File is preferred for sound field calibration for both CNC Words and AzBio Sentences in the MSTB-3 battery. The AzBio Sentences download folders have the updated calibration file (available after accepting the terms of use agreement below). To download only the Speech-Weighted Sound Field Calibration file use the links directly below.
CNC Monosyllabic Words
The MSTB-3 recommends that examination of CI candidacy begin with administration of CNC Monosyllabic Words (Peterson & Lehiste, 1962). This test consists of lists of monosyllabic words with equal phonemic distribution across lists. Scores from this test are used as the main speech recognition measure for determining if a patient meets a clinic’s selected score for CI candidacy.
AzBio Sentences
The MSTB-3 provides 23 lists of AzBio sentences (Spahr et al., 2012) that can be used to supplement the information derived from the CNC Words test to determine if someone is a candidate for a cochlear implant. The sentences provided here include the original 8 sentences that were included in the previous version of the MSTB (sentences 1-8) as well as 15 sentence lists that are new to the MSTB-3. The AzBio sentences are spoken by multiple male and female talkers and have limited contextual cues that make it difficult for a listener to “fill in” unintelligible words. Scores from testing in quiet or in background noise are often required to determine if a patient qualifies for coverage of a CI based upon their insurer’s indications.
Once downloaded, you may need to consult with your clinic’s IT Department for assistance in loading them on to a computer that will enable you to present the materials to the sound field through your audiometer. Follow the calibration instructions provided in the MSTB-3 Clinical Manual to ensure the materials are presented at the appropriate presentation level.
Scoresheets
Here you will find downloadable scoresheets for both the CNC Monosyllabic Words Test (10 lists) and AzBio Sentences (23 lists of sentences). The lists can be downloaded as a printable PDF or as a digital scoresheet that will auto-calculate the patient’s score. Instructions for test administration and scoring for each test are provided in the MSTB-3 Clinical Manual.
AzBio (Lists 1 - 23)
Printable (.pdf)
Auto-calculating (.xls)
CNC (Lists 1 - 10)
Printable (.pdf)
Auto-calculating (.xls)
Report Templates
The MSTB-3 recognizes that clinical documentation is an essential component of clinical care. Clinical reports generated from pre- and post-operative testing document and support the services that were provided, support the diagnosis and the recommended treatment, and provide support for insurance reimbursement and/or implant candidacy determination. The MSTB-3 provides sample reports that can be used by clinicians to ensure they are capturing valuable information in their pre-operative evaluation of CI candidacy and in their post-operative programming of CI sound processors. Additionally, a sample patient After Visit Summary (AVS) is also provided – such a report helps ensure patients are provided with written information regarding the results of the CI evaluation and summarizes what was discussed during the appointment. Additional information regarding the value of clinical documentation may be found in the Supplemental Literature Review section of the MSTB-3 Clinical Manual.
CI Programming Template
CI Evaluation Template
CI After Visit Summary Template
PROMs
The MSTB-3 recommends that patient questionnaires be administered in conjunction with speech recognition testing to derive additional information regarding the patient’s overall hearing performance. Pre- and post-operative scores can be compared to further evaluate benefit derived from the use of the CI. The results of the questionnaires should be evaluated to determine areas of listening that the patient is excelling or struggling with. Results should be reviewed with the patient, and recommendations should be provided regarding ways to improve hearing in identified areas of difficulty. Additional information about the use of PROMs is provided in the MSTB-3 clinical manual and the ICIT blog.
Cognitive Decline Fact Sheet
GAD-7
THI
SSQ-12
CI-QOL 10
Administration suggestions and guidance
SSQ-12
Administration suggestions and guidance
Manuscript
The Minimum Speech Test Battery, Version 3, includes test protocols for identifying not only traditional CI candidates but also possible candidates for electric–acoustic stimulation and patients with single-sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss. The MSTB-3 provides information that supplements the earlier versions of the MSTB, such as recommendations of when to refer patients for a CI, recommended patient-reported outcome measures, considerations regarding the use of cognitive screeners, and sample report templates for clinical documentation of pre- and post-operative care.
The MSTB-3 manuscript was published in American Journal of Audiology on July 9, 2024 and is available on ASHAWIRE. PDF download available below .
A Consensus to Revise the Minimum Speech Test Battery – Version 3
MSTB-3 Training Video
Instructional video for navigating and using these resources. Recorded on Zoom, February 2024.
