Validating a Quick Spectral Modulation Detection Task

OBJECTIVES: The Quick Spectral Modulation Detection (QSMD) test provides a quick and clinically implementable spectral resolution estimate for cochlear implant (CI) users. However, the original QSMD software (QSMD(MySound)) has technical and usability limitations that prevent widespread distribution and implementation. In this article, we introduce a new software package EasyQSMD, which is freely available software with the goal of both simplifying and standardizing spectral resolution measurements. DESIGN: QSMD was measured for 20 CI users using both software packages. RESULTS: No differences between the two software packages were detected, and based on the 95% confidence interval of the difference between tests, the difference between the tests is expected to be <2% points. The average test duration was under 4 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: EasyQSMD is considered functionally equivalent to QSMD(MySound) providing a clinically feasible and quick estimate of spectral resolution for CI users.