Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) are sounds generated in the inner ear (cochlea) of normal-hearing ears by active biomechanical vibrations within the outer hair cells. Using specialized equipment available in many AuDNet offices, normal hearing ears show robust responses while damaged ears display reduced or absent responses. Two types of OAE tests are used: Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions. These tests provide an objective measurement of inner ear activity and an important diagnostic tool for your AuDNet Audiologist.

Using special equipment that is attached to the ear canal with a small tube, AuDNet audiologists can vary the stimulus and intensity of the signal to determine diagnostic patterns in neonatal screening, ototoxic drug monitoring, detect early signs of noise exposure, monitor Meniere’s disease and other diagnostic site of lesion testing such as inner ear vs. nerve dysfunction plus interpret the test results. OAE testing is a quick and painless test that is often ordered by physicians.