- Hearing Test
Otoacoustic Emissions Test
An Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) test is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the health and function of the inner ear, specifically the cochlea. The cochlea is the spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear responsible for detecting sound and transmitting auditory signals to the brain. OAE testing is a valuable tool in audiology and is commonly used to assess the hearing function in individuals, particularly newborns and young children.
how an OAE test typically works?
- Stimulus Presentation
During the test, a small, soft earphone or probe is placed in the patient’s ear. The earphone emits a series of low-intensity sound stimuli, usually in the form of clicks, tones, or chirps.
- Cochlear Response
When the ear is exposed to these sounds, the healthy cochlea generates its own faint sounds, known as otoacoustic emissions. These emissions are very soft and typically cannot be heard by the human ear without specialized equipment.
- Measurement
A sensitive microphone built into the probe or earphone is used to record the otoacoustic emissions produced by the cochlea in response to the sound stimuli.
- Analysis
The recorded emissions are then analyzed by a computer, which can determine whether otoacoustic emissions are present and whether they are within expected parameters for a person of a specific age and hearing status.
- Importance
OAE Testing serves several purposes.
- Newborn Hearing Screening
OAE tests are often used to screen the hearing of newborns in hospitals. They are quick, non-invasive, and can identify potential hearing issues early in a child’s life.
- Hearing Assessment
OAE testing can help audiologists assess the hearing function of individuals of all ages, including those who have difficulty responding to traditional behavioral hearing tests.
- Objective Testing
OAE tests are objective, meaning they don’t rely on a patient’s responses, making them particularly useful for individuals who are unable to provide reliable feedback, such as very young children, people with cognitive impairments, or individuals with communication challenges.
- Monitoring Hearing Loss
OAE testing can be used to monitor changes in hearing function over time, especially in patients at risk of developing hearing loss.