About
This test is commonly used for newborn hearing screening and pediatric hearing screening, as it does not require any active response from the child. This makes it especially valuable for infants and young children who cannot participate in standard hearing tests. By checking whether the cochlea is functioning properly, the test helps in the early detection of hearing loss and ensures timely intervention, which is crucial for speech, language, and developmental milestones. In addition to pediatric use, the Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test can also be used for older children and adults to monitor cochlear health, evaluate noise-induced hearing changes, and support diagnostic assessments in cases of suspected inner ear damage.
It is a simple, quick, and painless procedure that measures sounds produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to an external stimulus. During the test, a small probe is placed in the ear canal, which delivers soft sounds and records the echo-like response generated by healthy outer hair cells in the cochlea.