OAE (Oto Acoustic Emission)
A rapid, objective inner ear screening measuring acoustic echo waves generated by healthy cochlear outer hair cells in response to sound stimuli.
What is Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE)?
Oto Acoustic Emissions (OAE) is a quick, non-invasive test used to evaluate the function of the inner ear, specifically the cochlea (the hearing organ). During the test, a soft sound is played into the ear, and a tiny microphone measures the sound waves (emissions) that the inner ear produces in response.
Because OAE testing does not require a response from the patient, it is ideal for testing infants, young children, or individuals with special needs. If emissions are present, it typically indicates normal hearing. If they are absent, it may suggest hearing loss or cochlear damage.
Our advanced OAE testing helps in early detection of hearing issues, enabling timely intervention and treatment.
This Test is Especially Valuable In:
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)
Recommended for all neonates within the first few days to months of birth to detect congenital cochlear hearing loss before speech development begins.
Diagnosing Hearing Loss in Children and Adults
Differentiates between sensory (cochlear) hearing damage and neural (auditory nerve) disorders, helping audiologists pinpoint the exact location of the deficit.
Monitoring Industrial Noise Exposure & Ototoxicity
Provides early warning indicators of outer hair cell damage in factory workers, musicians, and patients receiving ototoxic medications before loss shows on traditional PTA audiograms.