Otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing

Your ear consists of three parts – the outer, middle and inner ear. An otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test at Advocate Health Care can tell you how well the inner part of the ear, known as cochlea, is working.

How OAE testing works

OAE testing is a reliable method for assessing auditory health. It provides measurable results, allowing us to detect even the slightest issues in your hearing.

An OAE test measures otoacoustic emissions, which are faint sounds generated by the inner ear. These sounds are emitted when the inner ear responds to a sound. In response to these emissions, your hair cells in your inner ear vibrate. These emissions are an important indicator of auditory health and can be measured through a simple, non-invasive OAE test.

How OAE testing is done

An OAE test is noninvasive and only takes a few minutes. During the test, a tiny, soft probe is placed in the ear canal, emitting sounds while recording the ear's response. This process allows your Advocate Health Care audiologist to assess the integrity of your inner ear and the functionality of your hair cells.

Benefits of OAE for hearing assessment

OAE tests offer several benefits, including:

• Early detection of hearing loss: OAE tests can detect hearing loss in its early stages, often before it becomes noticeable. This is important for young children who may not be able to alert their parents to a hearing problem.
• Otoacoustic emission testing for infants and newborns: OAE tests are commonly used as part of newborn hearing screening programs to identify hearing issues in infants shortly after birth. Early detection and intervention can lead to better language and communication development.
• Objective and quick assessment: OAE tests provide an objective measure of hearing function, which means they do not rely on a patient's response. The test is quick and easy to administer, making it suitable for individuals of all ages, including young children and people with cognitive impairments.

OAE tests do have some limitations, such as not being able to assess the entire auditory pathway or diagnose certain central auditory processing disorders. Therefore, they are often used with other audiological tests to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a person's hearing health.

Audiology at Advocate Health Care

Our Advocate Health Care audiologists take pride in offering expert and efficient OAE screening services.

Our OAE specialists are experts in the field, ensuring that you receive the most accurate and timely assessments for your auditory health. Our audiologists have credentials from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) and Early Intervention (EI).

We offer pediatric hearing assessments for newborns and children, as well as adults. We use the latest tools and techniques to provide comprehensive otoacoustic emission testing.

If your OAE test reveals any hearing issues, our specialists will provide a comprehensive diagnosis and guide you through the necessary steps to address any hearing concerns.