Otoacoustic Emissions
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) are sounds produced by the inner ear, specifically by the cochlea. These sounds occur when the hair cells in the cochlea respond to auditory stimuli, creating a faint echo that can be measured. OAEs are important for assessing hearing function, especially in newborns and individuals who may not be able to communicate their hearing abilities.
There are two main types of OAEs: spontaneous OAEs, which occur without any external sound, and evoked OAEs, which are generated in response to specific sounds. Testing for OAEs is a non-invasive procedure that helps identify hearing loss and monitor ear health.