NY Otoacoustic Emissions Testing

Our ears are remarkable structures. Not only do they allow us to hear the wonderful sounds of life, but if the hearing system is healthy it has been shown to actually make sounds as well. These sounds are called otoacoustic emissions, or OAEs. Studies have demonstrated if the hearing mechanism is damaged in any way, otoacoustic emissions may not be detected.

Otoacoustic emissions are usually very soft and can only be measured by placing a sensitive microphone in the ear canal. The test is comfortable and requires no response from the patient. As a result, the otoacoustic emissions test has been a preferred component of the newborn and pediatric hearing test battery. It should be noted that otoacoustic emissions testing is not a test of hearing. It is an objective measure that helps your clinician understand specific mechanisms found in your inner ear.

We Perform DPOAE Tests, TEOAE Tests & More

There are 2 types of otoacoustic emissions tests we perform at our NY offices:

• Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs test)
• Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs test)

Importance of Otoacoustic Emissions Testing

For adults, there are advantages to including otoacoustic emissions testing as a part of a comprehensive assessment. Considering these emissions are known to be generated in the inner ear, otoacoustic emissions testing assists your clinician in further pinpointing a potential cause of any hearing loss or related hearing symptoms.

To measure your otoacoustic emissions, your audiologist will seat you in a comfortable chair in a quiet room. A soft earphone is placed in the ear. Once the earphone is in place, you will hear a series of soft tones. As mentioned, there is no need for you to respond, the equipment will do all the work.  Total test time is usually 5 minutes.

Otoacoustic emissions testing is a highly sensitive measure. As a result, it is commonly used in our NY practice as a component of our preventive hearing healthcare program.

Contact Audio Help Hearing Centers to Schedule Your Otoacoustic Emissions Test

To request a DPOAEs test, TEOAEs test with NY's top audiologists, fill out the contact form or call us today at 1 (866) 530-7500.