Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

Otoacoustic Emissions testing measures sounds generated by the cochlea in response to auditory stimuli. A probe placed in the ear canal delivers soft tones and records cochlear emissions. In screening protocols, OAE is quick, painless, and ideal for newborn hearing screening programs. In diagnostic protocols, OAE evaluates outer hair cell function, differentiates cochlear from retrocochlear pathology, and monitors patients exposed to ototoxic agents or noise. OAE also confirms hearing thresholds when behavioral responses are unreliable.