otoacoustic emission (OAE)

An otoacoustic emission (OAE) test measures how well the inner ear functions by recording sounds produced in response to clicking sounds. It's a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure that's often used to screen newborns for hearing loss.

OAE test

How it's performed

How it's performed A small probe is placed in the ear canal and sounds are played into the ear

What it measures

What it measures The sounds produced by the cochlea in response to sound stimulation

What it detects

Hearing loss in infants and children, blockages in the outer or middle ear

When it's used

For newborn hearing screening, diagnostic testing, and more

How OAE results are interpreted

▪️ Pass: The test indicates normal or near-normal hearing

▪️ Refer: The test indicates that further tests are needed to rule out hearing loss

▪️ Other uses of OAE tests Assessing non-organic hearing loss, Assessing noise-induced hearing loss, Assessing auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD), Assessing other cochlear vs retrocochlear disorders, and Assessing ototoxic medication effects.

▪️ The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says the OAE test is often part of a newborn hearing screening program.